分类： society

As fireworks displays approach, veterinary professionals and animal welfare organizations are issuing crucial advice to help pet owners safeguard their animals from distress. The explosive sounds that characterize celebrations can trigger severe anxiety in household pets, prompting experts to recommend specific protective measures.

Dr. Jane Crawford, a practicing veterinarian at the Animal Medical Center, emphasizes the critical importance of proper animal containment during fireworks events. “Ensuring animals are securely confined represents our primary recommendation,” stated Dr. Crawford. “However, attempting restraint training during actual fireworks displays proves counterproductive and may exacerbate the situation.”

Dr. Crawford detailed several intervention strategies, including specialized anxiety-reduction garments known as thunder shirts, which apply gentle pressure to calm animals experiencing noise-related stress. For extreme cases, she advised consulting veterinary professionals about pharmaceutical options, warning strongly against administering human medications or unverified remedies.

Sheila Ford, Director of Corozal Animal Welfare Advocates, supplemented these recommendations with practical home-based approaches. Drawing from personal experience with her own thunder-phobic dog, Ford highlighted the value of creating secure spaces where pets can retreat during stressful events. “Simple reassurance through affection and attention significantly helps comfort distressed animals,” Ford explained. “Identifying and accommodating their preferred hiding spots constitutes one of the most effective protective strategies.”

Both experts concur that advance preparation remains essential for mitigating fireworks-related trauma in pets, recommending early implementation of these protective measures before celebrations commence.

Belize City is set to receive a vibrant artistic tribute to one of its most beloved figures. Renowned Belizean artist Alex Sanker has unveiled plans to create a commemorative mural honoring the late Jerry Lopez, a local icon known for his positive spirit and community presence.

The conceptualized artwork will depict Lopez in his element—seated behind his fruit stand with a street sign reading ‘King Jerry Street’ incorporated into the composition. This creative element serves as both an artistic flourish and a respectful nod to Lopez’s enduring legacy on King Street. Sanker has strategically planned the mural’s placement on a building wall directly opposite where Lopez historically operated his fruit stand, ensuring a permanent connection to the location he cherished.

Significant progress has already been made in bringing this project to fruition. Sanker has successfully secured permission from the building owner, who enthusiastically supports the initiative. The two parties have scheduled post-holiday meetings to finalize logistical details and project timelines.

With deep personal connections to his subject, Sanker emphasizes the project’s authentic origins. Having known Lopez for thirty-three years since their days as part of the ‘Palace crew,’ the artist describes the tribute concept as ‘automatic’ given Lopez’s legendary status within the community. Sanker characterizes Lopez as more than just a fruit vendor—remembering him as a positive force, unofficial therapist, psychologist, comedian, and brother to many.

While donating his artistic labor, Sanker will implement a transparent community funding model for material costs. Rather than accepting cash donations directly, the artist will establish a system where supporters can purchase specific supplies from Benny’s hardware store. This approach ensures complete financial transparency while allowing the community to participate in creating this lasting memorial.

The mural represents more than artistic expression—it serves as a preserved historical artifact for future generations and a testament to the positive figures who shape community identity. Sanker’s initiative stands as a counter-narrative to negative perceptions, highlighting the inspirational stories that define Belizean culture.

Animal protection organizations throughout Belize are intensifying calls for regulatory action against fireworks, citing severe distress and injury to domestic animals and wildlife during annual Christmas and New Year celebrations. The vibrant pyrotechnic displays that illuminate the night sky coincide with what rescuers describe as a predictable wave of animal emergencies.

According to documentation from multiple advocacy groups, explosive noises trigger widespread panic among animals, resulting in numerous escape attempts from secure properties. Sheila Ford, Director of Corozal Animal Welfare Advocates, reports significant annual animal losses directly linked to fireworks detonations. “Countless animals become displaced when fireworks erupt,” Ford stated. “Those remaining confined endure extreme terror, frequently trembling beneath furniture.”

Emergency response systems experience overwhelming demand during peak celebration periods. Michelle Rudon, President of the Society for the Promotion of Animal Rescue and Kindness (SPARK), confirmed that volunteer networks become inundated with distress calls concerning missing pets requiring rescue operations.

Veterinary professionals report treating serious trauma cases stemming from fireworks-related incidents. Dr. Jane Crawford of the Animal Medical Centre documented emergency surgical procedures performed on Christmas Day, including one case where a pet sustained critical injuries from leaping off an elevated veranda. “Our clinic consistently treats animals that have been struck by vehicles after fleeing onto roadways,” Dr. Crawford explained.

Advocates highlight the existing legal framework under Belize’s Dangerous Goods Act, which categorizes fireworks as explosives requiring licensed distribution and usage. Halima Santos of SPARK questioned the pervasive unregulated circulation of these materials: “These explosive devices are legally restricted to licensed operators, yet they’re routinely sold illegally nationwide. This widespread possession of essentially unregulated dynamite is deeply concerning.”

The collective advocacy effort seeks enhanced enforcement of current regulations and potential legislative amendments. Proposed measures include restricting fireworks usage to designated time windows and implementing comprehensive bans on particularly disruptive firecrackers. Rudon expressed unequivocal support for stringent prohibitions: “Given ultimate authority, I would institute a complete ban without hesitation.”

A tragic drowning incident claimed the life of a Belizean laborer in Caledonia Village on Christmas Day, December 25th, 2025. Local authorities have confirmed the death of 45-year-old Eliodoro Moh, who was discovered motionless in a riverbank shortly after midday.

According to ASP Stacy Smith, police responded to an emergency report at approximately 12:30 PM and located Moh’s body at the scene. Preliminary investigation indicates that Moh had left his residence around 10:30 AM while apparently under the influence of alcohol.

Emergency personnel attempted resuscitation procedures at the location, but their efforts proved unsuccessful. The body has been transferred for post-mortem examination to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the drowning.

The Caledonia Village Council issued an official statement expressing profound grief over the loss. Remembered affectionately in the community as ‘Chiks’ or ‘Rambo,’ Moh was described as a highly valued and hardworking individual who left a significant impression on those who knew him.

A funeral procession has been scheduled for December 30th to honor Moh’s memory, as the community mourns the unexpected passing of one of their own during the holiday season.