safety
Hundreds of lost animals turned into SoCal shelters after July Fourth fireworks
By Helen Jeong and Ryan Bourgard at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC)
· July 6, 2026
· 2 min read
As warned by Southern California shelters and animal experts, the incessant fireworks that occurred during the Fourth of July weekend have startled hundreds of pets, prompting them to escape home.
NBC Los Angeles reached out to Southern California county and city governments to get the latest...
Key takeaway LA County Los Angeles County said it’s received a total of 189 stray animals to its care centers.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The influx of stray animals into Southern California shelters following the Fourth of July fireworks is a stark reminder of the need for pet owners to take extra precautions during holidays with loud noises. Los Angeles County's 189 stray animals, including 118 dogs, 36 cats, and 35 other types of animals, will likely be reunited with their owners, but the experience can be traumatic for both pets and families. The numbers from Riverside County, with 360 pets admitted to shelters, and Pasadena Humane, with 30 animals taken in, suggest that many owners may not be prepared for the potential escape of their pets. As the city moves forward, it will be crucial to educate pet owners on the importance of microchipping, ensuring their pets have identification, and providing a safe environment during fireworks displays to prevent such incidents in the future.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 6, 2026 ·
Source: NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? As warned by Southern California shelters and animal experts, the incessant fireworks that occurred during the Fourth of July weekend have startled hundreds of pets, prompting them to escape home.
NBC Los Angeles reached out to Southern California county and city governments to get the latest...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 6, 2026 by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Helen Jeong and Ryan Bourgard at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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