Orange County Animal Services Offers Fourth of July Fireworks Safety Tips
As the nation prepares to celebrate Independence Day on July 4th, Orange County Animal Services is sounding the alarm on the increasing number of abandoned dogs and emphasizing the importance of responsible pet ownership.
Bryant Almeida, a representative of Orange County Animal Services, highlighted the issue, stating that dogs are not simply appearing on the streets but are being deliberately abandoned by individuals from both within and outside the community. He emphasized the critical need for prospective pet owners to visit the shelter and choose a companion based on compassion rather than a predetermined blueprint.
The shelter consistently houses a significant number of animals in search of loving homes, with the numbers surging during specific periods, particularly around holidays. The loud noises from fireworks during the Fourth of July celebrations can be distressing for dogs, often leading them to flee from their homes in fear.
Almeida urged pet owners to prioritize their dogs’ safety during fireworks displays, advising them to keep their pets indoors, play white noise to mask the loud sounds, and ensure that their pets have proper identification tags or microchips. The American Kennel Club (AKC) also supports these precautions to help alleviate the stress on animals during such events.
Currently, Orange County Animal Services has approximately 200 cats and 200 dogs awaiting adoption at their facility. Thanks to a generous sponsorship from Webb Engineering, all pet adoptions are free until the upcoming Sunday, providing an opportunity for these animals to find loving families and forever homes.
This initiative aims to raise awareness about the importance of responsible pet ownership and address the concerning trend of abandoned animals, especially during times of increased festivities. With the support of the community and partnerships like the one with Webb Engineering, Orange County Animal Services continues its mission to provide care and shelter for animals in need.
