Ron Perlman Joins PETA in Urging Niagara Falls to End Nightly Fireworks

Actor Ron Perlman is lending his voice to a growing campaign led by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) to end the nightly fireworks displays in Niagara Falls, citing the impact on animals and wildlife.

In a newly released video, the “Hellboy” and “Sons of Anarchy” star appeals to Niagara Falls Tourism to cancel the summer fireworks series, which features explosive displays on 151 nights through October 13th.

Perlman says the nightly booms and bright flashes are needlessly disturbing to local animals.

“Just imagine dogs, cats, birds, deer and other animals being terrified every single night for months,” Perlman said. “The falls themselves are a spectacle - you don’t need fireworks to bring people in.”

PETA has long opposed the fireworks tradition at the Falls, saying it causes significant distress to both pets and wildlife. The organization says frightened animals often flee in panic, with some dogs and cats breaking through windows or escaping fenced yards.

Wildlife, they say, frequently end up disoriented and struck by vehicles after running onto roadways.

Perlman, a known animal lover with several pets of his own, used the video to encourage fans to consider alternative celebrations, especially around holidays like the Fourth of July.

He urged the city to explore quieter, animal-friendly options like drone light shows, which have already been successfully adopted in Canadian cities including Toronto, Ottawa, and North Bay.

“Please do better,” Perlman said in closing. “Switch to drones. Give animals - and everyone else - a break.”

According to PETA, more than 90,000 supporters have signed onto the campaign urging Niagara Falls officials to reconsider their nightly fireworks program.

Ron Perlman Joins PETA in Urging Niagara Falls to End Nightly Fireworks