Neighbor's Plea: No Fireworks To Protect Nesting Eagles, Other Animals And Dry Grass Fire Hazards

The Laurelhurst Blog received this email:

Please, do the right thing and do not shoot off any fireworks, fire crackers, etc.  Yesterday's post stated the penalty for fireworks in the city, but there are considerations beyond the penalties.   

Some neighbors may not know that there are at least 3 families of nesting eagles in our neighborhood.  Please also consider the other birds and the many, many pets (especially dogs) in Laurelhurst. 

When I asked a neighbor last year why they had shot off fireworks from their dock, she stated that everyone else was doing it.  There was a nested eagle family just a few houses down from their house.  

Many lawns in Laurelhurst are already dry and this adds to the fire danger.  

Laurelhurst neighbors and families pull together for good causes.  Let the fireworks and fire cracker ban be one of these causes.

Also the Seattle Animal Shelter sent out this reminder to protect your pets during Fourth of July celebrations which can be a stressful time for your pet,” said Seattle Animal Shelter Don Jordan.

 

General tips

·         Keep your pet indoors. The noise from fireworks can be frightening to animals and may cause them to seek safety.

·         Don’t bring your pet to a fireworks display. Crowded, unfamiliar and loud places can cause undue stress on animals. If you are going to a fireworks display or an event where fireworks will be used, the best action is to leave your pet at home.

·         Consult your veterinarian beforehand if you think your pet may need to be sedated.

·         Protect your pet from the heat. Holiday weekend weather is forecasted in the mid-to-upper 80s. Do not leave your pet in a car, even in the shade, and make sure your pet has access to cool water. Be careful not to overexert your pet.

·         Make sure your pet is wearing proper identification, such as a current pet license. If a lost pet wearing its license is brought to the Seattle Animal Shelter, the owner is notified immediately via telephone. If an officer finds a licensed pet in the field, it will be returned to the owner, instead of taken to the shelter.

·         Don’t feed your pet scraps from the grill. While it can be very tempting to share your holiday treats with your pet, it’s best to keep your pet on its normal diet. A change in diet can upset your pet’s digestion, and some human foods are toxic for some animals.

The Seattle Animal Shelter will be closed on Friday and Saturday. If you find a stray animal on either day, please care for the animal until the shelter reopens on Sunday, July 5. If you need emergency care for an injured animal, go to:

·  BluePearl (formerly Animal Critical Care and Emergency Services)
11536 Lake City Way NE
Seattle, WA 98125
206-364-1660

·  Emerald City Emergency Clinic
4102 Stone Way N.
Seattle, WA 98103
206-634-9000