Halifax group urges people to rethink setting off fireworks on New Year’s Eve

A Halifax group hopes people will think twice before setting off fireworks on New Year’s Eve. 

Hugh Chisholm, spokesman for #FireworksHurt, says he’s seen the negative effects fireworks have on pets. 

“At least with humans, we can kind of prepare ourselves if we know there’s going to be an event,” said Chisholm, a retired veterinarian, in an interview on Saturday. 

“Animals, it’s a little more difficult because they don’t understand what’s happening so to them it’s a very stressful time.” 

Chisholm said some animals deal with fireworks better than others, but for many, it triggers their fight-or-flight response.

“And they can’t fight it, so they have to get away from it and that means they’re going to run,” he said. 

When animals run away, they may run into traffic, resulting in injury, their death or causing an accident, or not return home. 

Chisholm said the group has heard of animals dying as a result of fleeing from fireworks. 

“That’s actually what started this group. A horse was panicked and broke a leg and had to be euthanized as a result,” he said. 

And it’s not just animals who suffer from fireworks. People who have post-traumatic stress disorder, autism or other mental health disorders may also react negatively to fireworks. 

Chisholm said things have changed since the private sale of fireworks was granted. 

“It used to be years ago, a fireworks event was put on by the municipality or the local town and people would go to that and enjoy the event and go home,” he said. 

“Nowadays, you can buy fireworks at corner stores and hardware stores and so you never know when there’s going to be a fireworks event.” 

Chisholm acknowledged there appears to be a decrease in the number of private fireworks set off each year, but said there are still places that are “a hotbed” for fireworks across Nova Scotia. 

Since the group formed in 2022, members have asked the provincial government to ban the private sale of fireworks. The group also started an online petition, which has since received 17,000 signatures. 

Chisholm said it’s possible, noting the display, sale and possession of fireworks is prohibited everywhere on Prince Edward Island.

He said some municipalities in Nova Scotia, such as Halifax Regional Municipality, have introduced noise bylaws that restrict when fireworks can be used. However, he said the bylaw doesn’t stop people from setting off fireworks whenever they please. 

The Town of Yarmouth banned the use of consumer fireworks within the town, except for on recognized religious holidays. 

“The only way to really enforce it is to take them away from public access,” he said. 

“Animals, it’s a little more difficult because they don’t understand what’s happening so to them it’s a very stressful time.” 

– Hugh Chisholm 

But with New Year’s Eve only a day away, Chisholm said people will have to take it upon themselves to prepare for fireworks being set off outside of official municipal and town events. 

He encouraged people to bring their pets inside on New Year’s Eve and if they do take them out for a walk, to ensure they’re on a leash. 

“When they start to run, they’re not going to turn around and come back to you because you called their name. They’re going to be so afraid that they’re going to keep running and you may never see them again,” Chisholm said.

He also reminded people to make sure their pets are wearing a collar with a tag and the owner’s phone number, as well as making sure if their pet is microchipped, the information is up to date. 

If a pet is distressed while at home and fireworks are going off, Chisholm suggests putting some music on. 

“Probably not heavy metal, but something a bit more pleasant,” he said. 

He said sometimes the humming from a fan can also be helpful. 

And for people who may be considering setting off fireworks? 

“I saw this message on social media and I thought it was so perfect. It said, ‘Instead of buying fireworks, why not buy some pet food and donate it to your local shelter so you make a difference instead of making a noise,’” Chisholm said.