By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

A quick flip through Facebook and you know its fireworks season.

“I would like to say thank you to the [person] lighting off fireworks and causing our dog to go crazy. I hope that you are pleased with causing the neighborhood dogs to freak out …”

“OMG. This is worse than the Fourth of July. STTTOOOOPPPPPP! The dogs are freaking! I have come to detest fireworks.”

“Our neighborhood was like a war zone last night and the 4th is still two weeks away.”

While no one can blame people for wanting to have some fun after being cooped up for 10 weeks or more, if you are shooting off fireworks before June 29, you are doing so illegally in most areas. Those who get caught could face up to $1,000 in civil fines.

In 2011, Michigan approved the sale and use of consumer-grade fireworks and in 2018, the state amended the law to allow local governments to restrict the use of fireworks, except around certain holidays, such as July 4.

This year, residents are allowed to display fireworks from June 29 to July 4 until 11:45 p.m. each day. Because July 5 is on a Sunday, fireworks are not allowed.

If fireworks are being displayed outside of those times, it is recommended that residents contact their local police departments even if they do not know the exact location of where the fireworks are being set off.

“Dispatch will put out a broadcast to all cars of ‘fireworks in the area of …'” said Lt. Eric Wiler, of the Wyoming Department of Public Safety. “As call volume permits, officers will check the area of any violations of the firework ordinance.”

Wiler added that in the according to the state law, fireworks are not permitted on public property such as roads and parks, schools, churches, or the property of another person without their permission.

Helping Our Four-legged Friends

So how do we help our dogs get through all the noise and commotion of fireworks? We checked in with local rescue Mosh Pit Rescue for some tips.

• Keep your dog INSIDE in a closed secure room with no open windows.
• Use a TV, a white noise machine, your laundry, your dishwasher, a fan, your bathroom fan EVERYTHING to provide familiar noises.
• Double check your dog is wearing a collar with tags and your contact information is current on the pet’s microchip.
• Contact your vet about medications – there are meds that can help ease anxiety.
• Make sure your pet is exercised during the day and take them out just before dusk again so the dog is tired and ready for a calm nap.
• Many dogs like a kennel with blankets over the kennel as a secure safe space.
• Consider a Kong with Frozen Peanut Butter or other feeder puzzle toy or chew toy to keep your dog occupied and distracted.
• Have current photos of the pet in case they go missing.