How Many Animals Died in the Great Smog of London?

By Michael Ferguson

London faced one of the worst environmental disasters in history, known as the Great Smog of 1952. It was a thick, yellowish haze that covered the city for almost five days, from December 5th to December 9th. The smog was caused by a combination of factors, including coal-burning in homes and factories, unfavorable weather conditions, and low wind speeds.

The Great Smog resulted in significant health hazards for the people of London. The air pollution levels were so high that it led to respiratory problems and even death for many. However, it wasn’t just humans that were affected by the Great Smog; it also had severe consequences for animals.

The exact number of animals that died during the Great Smog is unknown. Nevertheless, it is estimated that several thousand animals lost their lives due to the hazardous smog. The most affected were domestic animals such as dogs, cats, and horses.

Dogs and cats were affected by the smog because they are more susceptible to respiratory issues than humans. They have smaller lungs which make them more vulnerable to pollutants like carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide present in the smog. Many pets died due to suffocation caused by the dense smoke.

Horses were also severely affected by the Great Smog because they were used as transportation at that time. The thick smog made it difficult for them to breathe, leading to exhaustion and even death in some cases.

Apart from these domestic animals, wildlife was also impacted significantly by the Great Smog. Birds were among the most affected as they had difficulty flying due to poor visibility caused by smoke particles in the air. Many birds crashed into buildings or died due to injuries sustained during flight accidents.

In conclusion, while we may never know precisely how many animals lost their lives during London’s Great Smog of 1952, there is no doubt that numerous innocent creatures suffered immense harm due to human actions. It is essential that we take steps to prevent such disasters in the future and work towards creating a cleaner, healthier environment for all living beings.