CROMWELL, Conn. -- Local animal shelters have expressed concerns this year about the effect fireworks will have on the critters under their care.

Fireworks can be a serious problem for dogs, said animal control officer Cheryl Gagnon.

“A lot of people will take their dogs to the festivities, and they'll get away from them, or leave them at home, tie them outside, and they bust through their leads," she said.

Often times, she said, they run away and wind up at shelters. The shelter that serves Portland, Middletown and Cromwell only has two spaces left, said Gagnon, which could be a problem. Overcrowding could mean some of the dogs might have to be put down, she said.

“We do everything we can to utilize rescue groups, rescue shelters, the humane society, but when we get full like this and we get a large influx of dogs, our hands are tied," said Gagnon.

To minimize the number of dogs that will end up at the shelter, Gagnon said people should not take pets to the fireworks. If people live near locations where there will be fireworks, she said, they should talk to their veterinarians about sedatives to keep their pets calm.

Gagnon said that those interested in adopting a pet from the shelter, they can call 860-635-2256.