A silent crisis unfolds as festive firecracker noise triggers widespread hearing loss, injuries, and trauma among thousands of dogs and cats during Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations.
The Veterinary Association has raised serious concerns that thousands of dogs and cats have suffered hearing loss as a result of firecrackers being set off at various times during the recent Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations, drawing attention to a growing yet often overlooked animal welfare crisis in Sri Lanka.
According to the association, a significant number of animals have not only experienced partial or permanent hearing damage but have also sustained life-threatening injuries and long-term disabilities. These incidents are often caused when frightened animals attempt to escape the intense noise, leading them to run away, become disoriented, or encounter dangerous situations in their panic.
Veterinary experts explain that the sounds produced by firecrackers during festive rituals and recreational activities are extremely distressing to animals. Both children and adults contribute to these celebrations by lighting crackers, but what is considered joyful noise for humans becomes unbearable trauma for pets and stray animals alike. The sudden bursts of loud sound can trigger anxiety, confusion, and physical harm.
They further emphasize the urgent need for a nationwide public awareness campaign on the dangers of firecracker noise to animals. Without proper education and responsible behavior, veterinarians warn that the scale of this issue is likely to worsen in future celebrations, putting more animals at risk of injury, hearing loss, and psychological stress.
Medical professionals also highlight that animals possess a far more sensitive hearing range compared to humans. Firecrackers typically produce sound levels between 120 and 175 decibels, and any noise exceeding 140 decibels can cause severe damage to the inner ear. For animals, this level of exposure can lead to irreversible hearing impairment, making them one of the most vulnerable victims of festive noise pollution.
