A Malaysian influencer named Lucas has sparked debate online after criticising those who set off loud fireworks during festive seasons.
In a recent Facebook post, Lucas said fireworks may bring joy to humans, but they cause fear and distress to animals.
Says his dog trembles from fear
Lucas shared that he used to play with fireworks in the past. However, his view changed after he started raising a dog.
I used to set off fireworks too, but ever since I had a dog, I saw my dog trembling in the middle of the night,” he wrote.
Lucas added that his pet could not sleep and even experienced loss of bladder control due to the loud explosions.
“My dog was indoors and in my arms, yet he was still shaking.”
Concerned about stray animals
Lucas said if his dog felt unsafe inside the house, he could not imagine how stray animals outside were coping.
I can’t imagine how scared stray dogs, stray cats, birds on trees and other living beings must feel,” he wrote.
He also mentioned that there have been cases of pets running away after being frightened by fireworks.
Lucas urged the public to be more mindful, especially when setting off fireworks late at night.
“If you want to play, choose quieter ones. Don’t set them off just for your own pleasure, especially after midnight,” he said.
Responds to cultural justification
The post has since gone viral with over 3.3k likes and over 600 comments, with some people arguing that fireworks are part of cultural and religious traditions.
Lucas responded by saying, “Culture and religion are human civilisations, but that is a human-centred perspective.”
He added that calling the term “uncultured” too harsh does not change the suffering experienced by animals.
He also wrote that celebrations do not require loud explosions, saying that mythical creatures would not appear at midnight and blessings would not disappear without fireworks.
Netizens divided
The post received mixed reactions from netizens.
One user commented, “Just tolerate it. It’s only once a year.”
Another criticised him by saying, “In your eyes, human happiness is less important than your pet.”
A lengthy comment also challenged his use of the word “civilised.”
“You think you are expressing civilisation, but you are only expressing your discomfort. Turning personal discomfort into a denial of all human behaviour is not civilisation, but making your own feelings a universal standard.”
“Civilisation is not about eliminating everything you dislike, but recognising that the world consists of different habits, cultures and choices.”
The user concluded by saying, “True civilisation is not about making the world revolve around you, but being able to stay understanding even when it does not.”
However, some supported Lucas’ message.
One commenter wrote, “Our pets are not afraid of fireworks, but we still choose not to light them because we worry about other animals.”
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