COSTA MESA Councilman John Stephens got a surprise $5,000 donation toward his proposed July 4 celebration from PETA, which endorsed his idea of hosting a silent fireworks display.

The animal-rights organization offered to contribute to the $50,000 needed to bring the event to the OC Fair and Event Center in an email Wednesday.

“I’m tickled,” Stephens said. “I have no idea how they even found out about the celebration.”

PETA President Ingrid Newkirk wrote that a silent fireworks show “will prevent dogs, cats, wildlife, and humans suffering from PTSD from being bombarded with deafening noises.”

Animals tend to panic, break through chains, jump through plate-glass windows and sustain injuries trying to escape loud noises from traditional fireworks displays, she said in the email.

“In the U.S., more dogs run away on the Fourth of July than on any other date, and animal shelters report an increase in the number of lost dogs and cats following fireworks displays,” she said.

Costa Mesa is one of a few cities in Orange County that doesn’t host a July 4 celebration.

The council on April 18 unanimously endorsed Stephens’ idea for the event, but with the condition that he raise the money from private sources by the May 16 council meeting.

As of Monday, May 1, Stephens said he’s raised $45,000, including the PETA donation, and expects to have the rest by the deadline.

Any funds exceeding the $50,000 will go toward youth sports and veterans groups, he said.

Though the vote was unanimous, some council members expressed reservations about hosting the event.

Mayor Katrina Foley voiced concerns with the cost to attend the show and whether it would lead to a decrease in the use of illegal fireworks in the city.