Noise pollution lands 12 animals, birds in hospital

Mumbai: With the high decibel levels and smog prevailing in the city due to firecrackers, which were burst over Diwali, the animals in the city were left traumatised or injured.

‘Distressed’ dogs, cats, sparrows, pigeons and crows were treated at the Parel-based Bai Sakarbai Dinshaw Petit Hospital  for Animals run by the Bombay Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA).

Against the 12 cases reported this year, last year there were 40 cases of animals and birds that were treated for wounds caused by crackers. “This year, over these three days, we received eight birds, three dogs and a cat,” said veterinary doctors working with BSPCA.

Lt. Colonel (retired) J.C. Khanna, the superintendent of the hospital said, “These animals get scared when residents burst crackers and start running here and there which often leads to injuries. Most of these animals and birds were feeling uneasy and are disinclined to eat.”

“All of them have reported burns, fractures and loss of vision. They are also disoriented due to the loud noise of crackers,” he added.