Stray bullets and illegal fireworks continue to be a problem for public safety and pets in Albuquerque as residents ring in the new year.
Stray bullets and illegal fireworks continue to be a problem for public safety and pets in Albuquerque as residents ring in the new year.
It has become a tradition for hundreds of residents to set off rocket propelled fireworks and shoot guns in the air at the stroke of midnight. This year Albuquerque police officers and firefighters will be out in full force looking for violators.
“We want everyone to have a good time, but they need to be safe about it,” Police Chief Ray Schultz said. “There are plenty of appropriate ways to ring in the new year besides shooting a gun in the air. It’s reckless, dangerous and if we catch someone doing it, we will confiscate the gun and take them to jail.”
Anyone caught shooting a gun in the air can be charged with negligent use of a firearm or discharging a firearm in city limits, both misdemeanors punishable by 90 days in jail and a $500 fine.
Several Albuquerque residents have been seriously injured over the years by people shooting guns into the air on New Year’s Day or on the Fourth of July. In July 2005, one-year-old Alyssa Boldin was outside her grandmother’s home in Westgate Heights, when a bullet that had been shot in the air hit her in the head. In July 2001 a 9-year-old boy was struck in the shoulder by gunfire while playing in his yard near 98th Street and Central NW. More than 40 years ago, 33-year-old Frank Peña, was killed while barbecuing outside his home on Camino de Bosque NW.
Injuries have also occurred and fires have broken out by people using illegal fireworks. The Albuquerque Fire Code prohibits the possession, sale, or use of all Aerial and Ground Audible Devices within the city limits. Arial devices are: Aerial Spinners, Helicopters, Mines, Missile-type Rockets, Roman Candles, Shells, Stick Type Rockets, and Chasers. Ground Audible Devices are: Chasers, and Firecrackers. Having possession of illegal fireworks is punishable with a citation and immediate confiscation of the item.
Permissible fireworks which are allowed to be sold and discharged within the city are: Cone Fountains, Crackling Devices, Cylindrical Fountains, Flitter Sparklers, Ground Spinners, Illuminating Torches, Toy Smoke Devices, and Wheels.
“Someone using an illegal firework can easily start a large fire and injure someone,” Fire Marshal Victor Marquez said. “Legal fireworks can be just as enjoyable as illegal ones. There is no reason why people need to take the risk.”
The noise of fireworks and gunfire during the late evening and early morning hours often stresses pets as well. If left unattended, especially outside, pets can run away and end up in an animal shelter.
During New Year’s Eve Animal Welfare’s veterinarians suggest playing with your cat or dog with a feather teaser or chasing a ball or giving treats they would only get on special occasions. This will help keep them calm. Dogs should be kept indoors
“Our best advice is to keep pets inside, especially with the extremely cold temperatures outside,” said Barbara Bruin, Director of Animal Welfare. “Perhaps you can keep some white noise going in the house, like a TV show or music.”
The danger of losing pets frightened by noise underscores the importance of having a pet microchipped. A microchip is the most effective way to reunite lost pets with owners.
If your pet turns up missing, your best bet is to check Albuquerque’s Eastside or Westside shelters in person. You can also get help by calling 311.
