40 Injured Animals Rescued in Mumbai Due to Diwali Firecrackers

More than 40 injured animals have been rescued in Mumbai due to the bursting of firecrackers during Diwali. The injured animals include cats, dogs, birds, and reptiles. Animal rescue teams are on their toes as it is expected that the cases of injured and distressed animals will increase gradually and shall continue for weeks after the festival.

More than 40 calls have been received by authorities in the past 48 hours alerting them about injured or displaced animals due to bursting of firecrackers during Diwali, a forest official said on Monday. The injured include animals, birds and reptiles, said Pawan Sharma, founder and president of Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare and honorary wildlife warden with the state Forest Department.

Distressed Animals

They are distressed due to bursting of firecrackers. A large number of these animals comprise cats and dogs, many of whom get displaced as well, the official said. Despite the Bombay High Courts directive to burst firecrackers only between 8pm and 10pm, the air quality has deteriorated severely, Sharma added.

Rescue Efforts

Animal rescue teams from Sanjay Gandhi National Park, the forest department and various NGOs operating in the city are on their toes as it is expected that the cases of injured and distressed animals will increase gradually and shall continue for weeks after the festival, he said. So far we have rescued six birds, two snakes and a turtle with burn injuries. Citizens can report wildlife distress cases to 1926, the toll free helpline of the forest department, and stray domestic distress cases on BMCs 1916 toll free helpline, he informed.

The bursting of firecrackers during Diwali can have a devastating impact on animals. The loud noises and bright lights can cause them to become stressed, disoriented, and even injured. In addition, the smoke from the firecrackers can irritate their respiratory systems. If you see an animal that is injured or in distress due to firecrackers, please contact your local animal rescue organization.