Fidos fear fireworks, shelters say
The Fourth of July might have been fun for most humans, but it was a frightening time for many of their furry friends. Animal shelters in Chicago have reported an increase in the number of stray pets found during Independence Day celebrations.
Pets are prone to run off due to the noise from fireworks and the commotion the holiday brings, city Animal Care and Control director Anne Kent said Thursday.
The pets that leave usually tend to be dogs because of their heightened sense of hearing.
Kent said her department collected 10 percent more strays on July 3 and 4. Other shelters, such as the Animal Welfare League, said they brought in an estimated 20 percent more strays on days surrounding July 4.
“The animal can get scared and literally jump off a high-rise balcony because their ears are so sensitive,” Kent said.
This article originally appeared in Chicago Sun-Times.
