Small dog dies from heart attack induced by fireworks' bang on New Year's Eve
SAN DIEGO (Border Report) -- Animal rights activists are demanding the city of Tijuana and the state of Baja California crack down on the detonation of illegal fireworks after a small dog died as a result of a loud explosion New Year's Eve.
Patricia Sandoval, founder of Patitas Firmes, a shelter for abused animals south of the border, said a dog named Valentina died from a heart attack when a device exploded near their facility.
Sandoval says the pup was already petrified of the loud blasts when she suddenly dropped to the ground after a particular loud explosion, killing her almost instantly as handlers could do very little to save her.
She said Valentina had been rescued three years ago from a home where her owner abused her.
According to Sandoval, the dog's death is proof fireworks can have devastating consequences for canines.
"This was fatal, and it seems the bangs are getting louder -- they are supposed to be illegal, but people keep importing them. It's a joke what authorities do or don't do, they're the ones that have no respect for the law."
Article 28 of the Tijuana city code prohibits the use of fireworks, explosives and other devices that can be detonated or make loud noises.
"Unfortunately people are not going to stop blowing up these devices, the government doesn't do a thing to prevent it. All this talk of fines is not true, I've been to places where they are sold and called police right away, but nothing gets done," said Sandoval.
According to Sandoval, Valentina had been at their facility since being rescued years ago, but unfortunately, no one had stepped up to adopt her.