Diwali is a time for celebration for many. However it has proved to be quite dangerous for several animals just like this stray dog 'Mask'.

Mask was found in an appalling condition on Thursday night in Malvani area in Malad West. An unidentified couple saw Mask running around across the road with a deep gash in its neck. They alerted a local organisation called Animals Matter to Me (AMTM) an organisation works for the welfare of stray animals for help.

AMTM founder Ganesh Nayak said to dna, 'Mask was running around in different directions with his neck open and rope tied around it.

The NGO workers realised that Mask was seriously injured and needed help and hence tried to catch him. However the scared dog would run away from every time any human tried to come close making it difficult for AMTM workers to get hold of it. The AMTM catcher was finally able to catch him after three hours.

After getting a closer look, the workers found that the wound smelt just like the emission after a firecracker bursts. There was also a rope around its neck making them suspect that the dog was possibly abused by bursting firecrackers around its neck. But they couldn't approach the police due to lack of evidence.

Mask has recieved medical treatment and his wounds have been cleaned. He will be kept under observation till the maggots in the wounds clear away & the swelling reduces.

AMTM posted on Facebook about the ordeal that Mask's had gone through.

The post called for people to step up and help Mask. It reminded people that many others could be a victim of such inhuman acts.

The post got a lot of positive response with couple of people even offering monetary help for Mask's medical treatment.

However the positive response was not reflectiveof changing attitudes of people towards animals. According to Nayak, the number of animals and birds getting hurt has increased through the years. 'There are 15- 20 cases during such festivities. Also the animals and birds become more prone to accidents during these days.

Nayak says the problem persists since people burst fire workers well beyond deadline. He doesn't advocate banning of bursting of firecrackers, but hopes it scales down.