Every July 4 (and New Year’s Eve), I cry for the animals’ fear and pain that can’t tolerate the pointless blasting, shooting, and screeching of firecrackers. All, from the tiniest pets to farm animals and horses, can break free or injure themselves trying.

Those whose humans don’t go spend their own money to get sedatives from their vets might come home to find their lifelong friends gone forever—or killed in the streets a few blocks away. Maybe your neighborhood “homeless” friend or a whole colony of ferals that were responsibly being fed and cared for disappears. For what? Greed for money and a “good time?”

Ever notice a baby or tiny child reacting to blasting? Intensify that!

Sure, they’re pretty, but until they’re made silent or a while lot quieter, the damage done lasts forever. Who needs to be scared to death? The roaring air shows and celebratory gun shooting also disturbs our peace. Please … .

-- De Durlesser - Santa Maria