To no one’s surprise, this year’s Fourth of July holiday weekend taxed the PAWS shelter to its limits as hundreds of area companion animals frightened by fireworks were either reported lost, found, or were turned into the shelter. "Everyone who works at a shelter knows to dread the Fourth of July," says Deanna Davies, PAWS’ Director of Companion Animal Services.

PAWS kept its shelter open throughout the holiday weekend to accept frightened strays. PAWS volunteer Amy Pritchard worked throughout the weekend updating lost and found reports on the PAWS web site.

In June, a committee of the Metropolitan King County council debated a proposal to ban fireworks in the unincorporated areas of the county. Lisa Wathne, Acting Director of the PAWS Advocacy department, spoke in favor of the ban. "The annual noise and confusion causes fear and pain for the animals, stress and worry for owners of companion animals, and an overwhelming burden to animal shelters," she testified.

Representatives of several fire departments also spoke of the numerous deadly accidents associated with fireworks.

The committee chose not to act on the proposal. Instead they planned to seek the advice of several citizen advisory councils that represent incorporated areas before voting to send the proposal to the full King County Council.