MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – Every year on the Fourth of July, people look forward to firework shows.
The displays are the highlight of the day, but the loud noises can scare some animals. As a result, many pets run away, making July 5th one of the busiest days for animal shelters nationwide.
Susan Hull is a local dog owner who says she very cautious on the 4th of July. “ I always have her on a leash and we don’t get out too much ‘cause it might scare her. But, we love this park. This is one of the best things Mobile’s done is to give us this park.”
She doesn’t take any chances with her dog going missing.
“I keep her in the bed with me at night and we go to bed early. We miss the fireworks,” said Hull.
Leo Phillips shared tips on how he protects his six-year-old Pomeranian, “First of all, he is an inside dog so he’s inside. And he gets excited when he hears thunder or fireworks, so we bring him close to us and settle him down and keep him quiet.”
Leane Richardson, who owns a cat that’s scared of fireworks talked about what she does.
” I basically allow her to go into my room which is in the center of the house so she’s not exposed to the windows in the front of the house where majority of the windows are,” said Richardson.
Sharee Broussard, Director of Public Affairs for Mobile County provides additional advice.
“Keep animals out of the area of fireworks. That’s always a good safety bit of advice because animals get burned,” said Broussard.
Other helpful advice includes using a leash and ensuring your pet has some form of ID, like a collar with a tag or a microchip. If your pet goes missing, she suggests checking social media or calling your local shelter. Dogs picked up the Mobile County animal shelter are held for seven days.
To manage the influx of lost pets on July 5th, the Mobile County Animal Shelter has specific protocols.
“Officers will be patrolling. We’ll be accepting animals as they pick them up,” Broussard adds.
If you notice a roaming animal in the county tonight, you are encouraged to call Mobile County Animal Control at 251-574-3647.
Mobile County Animal Control to pickup stray or reporting: 251-574-7940
To claim an intake pet: 251-574-3230
Within a municipality’s jurisdiction, please call the appropriate city department:
• City of Mobile’s Animal Services: 251-208-5311
• City of Prichard’s Animal Resources Department: 251-456-5933
• City of Saraland’s Animal Control Department: 251-679-5570
• City of Chickasaw’s Police Department: 251-452-0571
• City of Satsuma’s Police Department: 251-675-1440
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