Less animals, birds injured this year during festival of lights

Mumbai: While noise and smoke emitted by firecrackers engulfed the city during Diwali, injured animals were treated at the Bombay Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA). The saving grace being that the number of injured animals dropped as compared to last year.

As against 40 cases of animals and birds being wounded by crackers last year, only 15 such cases were reported this year. “Usually, several injured kites, sparrows and pigeons are brought to us during this period. During the last three days, we had 10 birds, four dogs and two cats,” said a veterinary doctor.

“This year, animals did not suffer much as compared to last year. In comparison to last year, there was a reduction in injuries to birds and animals by about 40 per cent. This year, 15 animals were admitted to the hospital,” said Lt. Colonel (Dr) J.C. Khanna, secretary and in-charge, BSPCA Hospital, Parel.

“Most of these animals and birds were feeling uneasy and were disinclined to eat. All of them suffered burns and fractures and lost their eyesight. They were disoriented due to the loud noise emitted by firecrackers,” said Dr Khanna.

“All animals admitted to the hospital are being treated. There are a few birds of other species as well. The animals include two cats and four dogs,” he added.

“The number of injured animals has come down but birds are most affected by firecrackers like rockets as the fumes can cause breathing difficulties and they can fall and get injured during flight,” said Dr Khanna.