THOUGH Mandaue City has no designated firecracker zone, it cannot be avoided that there are some individuals blasting firecrackers in welcoming New Year.

This is why Mandaue City Veterinary Office (MCVO) encouraged pet owners to keep their pets company as they often feel anxious and scared whenever they hear the sound of firecrackers.

Dr. Karen Merilles, MCVO head, said pets should be walked for at least four hours prior to the start of the festivities at midnight or massage them and feed them to help them relax.

“You can put loud music on to divert the dog's attention from the sound of firecrackers but this is not applicable to all dogs as there are some who don't like loud music,” said Merilles in a mix of Cebuano and English.

She encouraged the pet owners to be with their pet’s side as some of them may shiver when they hear the noise of firecrackers.

She also encourage the public to avoid harassing animals especially stray ones during the New Year festivities.

“Let's leave the strays alone as they are often prone to cruelty, especially by drunks, since they don't have owners," Merilles added.

She also urged the public to report anyone caught harassing or abusing animals to the police.

Merilles warned that anyone caught committing animal cruelty could face jail time and criminal charges.(SunStar Cebu)