Great Lakes Wire

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has issued a reminder for residents to ensure the safety of their animals during the July 4th holiday. The department emphasizes the importance of taking precautions to protect pets and livestock from the stress and potential dangers associated with fireworks.

State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland stated, "When celebrating Independence Day, we need to be mindful of the health and safety of our animals." She highlighted that the festivities could lead to situations where animals might run away from home. "By planning ahead, we can make sure animals have a safe, secure place to be when the celebrations begin, causing them to be less stressed and frightened," she added.

MDARD recommends several measures to keep animals safe: keeping them indoors or in barns during fireworks, providing a quiet space away from noise, and ensuring doors are opened carefully to prevent escapes. If an animal does escape or is found without an owner, local animal control or law enforcement should be contacted.

Additionally, dogs taken outside should remain on a leash even in fenced areas due to unexpected noises. Fireworks should never be set off near animals, and firework debris should be cleared before allowing animals back outside. It is also crucial for animals to have ID tags or registered microchips with current contact information.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) notes that more animals go missing around July 4th than any other time of year due to fireworks-induced fright. Melissa FitzGerald from Otsego County Animal Control and Shelter pointed out that while microchips are beneficial, they must be registered. "A lot of times we'll pick up an animal, and it'll have a microchip... but it doesn't come back to anyone because it hasn't been registered," she explained.

For further guidance on animal safety during this period, MDARD advises contacting veterinarians or visiting the American Veterinary Medical Association's website.