Overview
- Rescue data show a steady Deepavali surge: AWCS handled 19 animals and 7 birds in 2022, 31 and 25 in 2023, and 47 and 33 in 2024, while GHSPCA recorded 22 animals and 11 birds last year.
- AWCS has three rescue teams with ambulances on standby in Begum Bazar, Alwal and Gachibowli, aiming to respond within a 20-kilometre radius.
- Veterinarians cite animals’ far sharper hearing and sensitive fear circuits, noting that unpredictable blasts that can exceed 150 decibels trigger panic and can condition lasting anxiety.
- Strays face the greatest exposure; GHSPCA has trialled community shelters using drums and jute bags and urges colonies to allow temporary refuge in cellars or parking areas.
- Guidance for households and farms includes bringing animals indoors, creating quiet safe spaces, updating identification and choosing quieter or silent fireworks to limit injuries, stress and livestock losses.