Tails of terror: Animal warriors in Hyderabad brace for Deepavali’s dark side
As houses light up and fireworks fill the skies of Hyderabad on Deepavali, a terrifying story unfolds below, in corners, under parked cars, behind walls and in dimly lit streets. The canines are shaking with their tails tucked between their feet. Felines hide and frightened birds crash into trees. For many animals and birds, the festival of lights is a festival of fear.
“We see the same pattern every year,” says Pradeep Nair, founder of the Society for the Protection of Animal Warriors (AWCS). “As soon as the first cracker sounds, rescue calls start pouring in. We see frightened dogs running around blindly, getting stuck between walls or getting hit by vehicles. Birds sitting on power lines or trees become disoriented and sometimes even get burned.”
A puppy stuck between walls on Deepavali. | Photo Credit: Special Editing
Rescue data from the last three years shows how distressing Deepavali has become for animals. AWCS rescued 19 animals and seven birds in 2022. The numbers increased to 31 animals and 25 birds in 2023, and to 47 animals and 33 birds in 2024. The Greater Hyderabad Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GHSPCA) also showed a similar trend, rescuing 22 animals and 11 birds last year, compared to 16 and 9 in 2020.
Among those rescued are not only dogs and cats, but also goats, cattle and horses, as well as owls, sparrows, cranes and nightingales.
An injured crow rescued during Diwali | Photo Credit: Special Editing
“Animals’ hearing is eight to 10 times sharper than ours,” Mr. Nair explains. “When a loud cracker bursts, the sound overwhelms them. They panic, become disoriented and start running, often injuring themselves in the process. Some even develop long-term trauma. Even pets try to escape through doors or balconies and sometimes get stuck or lost during the festivities,” he said.
A pet dog tried to escape through the door moments before being rescued. | Photo Credit: Special Editing
To handle the surge, AWCS is keeping three rescue teams on standby during Deepavali, each comprising an ambulance, driver, rescuer and support staff, deployed at key locations Begum Bazar, Alwal and Gachibowli. These teams can intervene within a radius of 20 kilometers.
Kittens are rescued from a borewell in Hyderabad. | Photo Credit: Special Editing
Changing traditions
Many pet owners say that their Deepavali celebrations have changed completely after bringing a pet home. “It’s been years since I burst a cracker,” says Ramesh Kumar of Bolarum, who has a 14-year-old Pomeranian dog named Goldie. “He shakes at the first sound, so I sit with him in my room, hold him close and try to calm him down. People don’t realize how painful the noise is for them.”
Vivan, a resident of Chandrayangutta, said, “My hunting dog Leo gets worried every year. This time I bought headphones for him and started using them in the evenings. It is helping.”
Mr. Nair is setting an example in his own home. He lives with six independent dogs ranging in age from 3 to 7 years: Laddu, Bora, Tumki, Pandu, Ramu and Lassie. “We don’t burst crackers. Instead, in the days leading up to Deepavali, I play soothing music to help them get used to it. I keep plenty of treats, ice creams and ice cubes on hand. It helps them relax,” he says.
The struggle of fugitives
While pets find comfort indoors, stray animals have nowhere to hide. “We’ve seen people burst crackers right next to a dog’s tail and say it’s just for fun,” says Soudharm Bhandari, coordinator of GHSPCA and People for Animals. “This is cruel and dangerous. Such actions have left many animals injured or traumatized for life.”
A stray dog ran into the well, setting off fireworks nearby. | Photo Credit: Special Editing
To protect them, the GHSPCA has taken various initiatives. “In 2021, we installed drums in colonies to shelter stray animals, but the animals did not recognize these as safe spaces,” Mr. Bhandari recalls. “Last year we distributed jute sacks in areas where dogs usually rest; they help block out noise, pollution and even cold.”
Mr Bhandari urges communities to do their part. “Colony associations should allow strays into the cellars or parking areas during the festival. Just a little courtesy can go a long way,” he says.
(If you see a threatened animal, contact GHSPCA at 9394578568, 8886743881 and AWCS at 9697887888)
It was published – 17 October 2025 19:00 IST
