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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is recognizing the New Year's Eve celebration in Salt Lake City for canceling a fireworks display.
The organization says the loud noises scare animals. PETA gave the city's nonprofit Downtown Alliance an award recognizing compassion toward animals Monday.
PETA says fireworks can scare pets, causing them to panic, jump over fences, break chains or burst through windows to escape the sounds. Some run away and are never found.
Authorities have said they canceled the display over concerns about air quality. Fireworks release particulates into the air, adding to winter time pollution problems. The fireworks were replaced with a giant disco ball.
The Eve Winterfest celebration started Monday and will continue through Wednesday.
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