On Deepavali, as homes light up and firecrackers fill Hyderabad’s skies, a scary story unfolds below, in the corners, under parked cars, behind compound walls and along dim lanes. Canines tremble with their tails tucked between their feet. Felines slip into hiding, and startled birds crash into trees. For many animals and birds, the festival of lights is one of fear.
“Every year, we see the same pattern,” says Pradeep Nair, founder of the Animal Warriors Conservation Society (AWCS). “The moment the first cracker goes off, rescue calls start pouring in. We see frightened dogs running around blindly, getting stuck between walls, or hit by vehicles. Birds sitting on electric wires or trees get disoriented and sometimes even burnt.”
A puppy stuck between walls on Deepavali.
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Special Arrangement
Rescue data over the past three years shows how Deepavali has become increasingly distressing for animals. In 2022, the AWCS rescued 19 animals and seven birds. The numbers rose to 31 animals and 25 birds in 2023 and 47 animals and 33 birds in 2024. The Greater Hyderabad Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GHSPCA) has seen a similar trend, rescuing 22 animals and 11 birds last year, up from 16 and nine in 2020.
The rescues include not only dogs and cats but also goats, cattle and horses as well as owls, sparrows, cranes and bulbuls.
An injured crow rescued during Diwali
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Special Arrangement
“Animals have a hearing capacity eight to 10 times sharper than ours,” explains Mr. Nair. “When a loud cracker bursts, the sound overwhelms them. They panic, get disoriented and just start running, often injuring themselves in the process. Some even develop long-term trauma. Even pets try to escape through gates or balconies and sometimes get stuck or lost during the festivities,” he said.
A pet dog trying to escape from the gate minutes before it was rescued.
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Special Arrangement
To handle the surge, AWCS keeps three rescue teams on standby during Deepavali, each with an ambulance, driver, rescuer and support staff, stationed in Begum Bazar, Alwal and Gachibowli, the key hotspots. These teams can respond within a 20-kilometre radius.
Kittens being rescued from a borewell in Hyderabad.
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Changing traditions
Several pet owners say their Deepavali celebrations have changed entirely after bringing a pet home. “It has been years since I burst crackers,” says Ramesh Kumar from Bolarum, who has a 14-year-old Pomeranian dog named Goldie. “She trembles the moment the first one goes off, so I sit with her in my room, hold her close and try to calm her down. People don’t realise how painful the noise is for them.”
Vivan, a resident of Chandrayangutta, says, “My retriever, Leo, gets anxious every year. This time, I have bought him earmuffs and started using them in the evenings. It helps.”
At home, Mr. Nair sets an example. He lives with six Indie dogs aged between 3 and 7 years — Laddu, Bora, Tumki, Pandu, Ramu and Lassie. “We don’t burst crackers. Instead, I play calming music for them in the days leading up to Deepavali so they get used to it. I keep plenty of treats, ice cream and ice cubes. It helps them relax,” he says.
Struggle of strays
While pets find comfort indoors, strays have nowhere to hide. “We have seen people burst crackers right near a dog’s tail, saying it is just for fun,” says Soudharm Bhandari, coordinator of GHSPCA and People for Animals. “It is cruel and dangerous. Such acts have left many animals injured or traumatised for life.”
A stray dog which ran into a well as fireworks exploded nearby.
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To protect them, GHSPCA has taken up several initiatives. “In 2021, we placed drums in colonies so strays could take shelter, but animals didn’t recognise them as safe spaces,” recalls Mr.Bhandari. “Last year, we distributed jute bags in areas where dogs usually rest; they help block sound, pollution and even the cold.”
Mr. Bhandari urges communities to do their bit. “Colony associations should allow strays into cellars or parking areas during the festival. Just a little kindness can go a long way,” he says.
(If you see an animal in distress, contact GHSPCA on 9394578568, 8886743881 and AWCS on 9697887888)
Published – October 17, 2025 07:00 pm IST
