PETA appeals to celebrate the New Year without rockets and firecrackers
Stuttgart. Relaxed New Year for people and animals: What some people perceive as nice entertainment, wild animals, dogs, cats and small animals often perceive as a life-threatening situation due to the deafening noise, bright flashes and unknown smells. Fireworks can quickly become a deadly danger for wild animals. Nevertheless, loudly popping light displays are expected to be ignited again on New Year's Eve. PETA sees the reason for this as speciesism – the assumption that human interests are more important than the interests of other animal species. Jana Hoger, specialist for animal companions at PETA, explains the dangers to wild animals and has put together some tips on how dogs and cats can have a fear-free New Year's Eve.
“Wild animals are frightened by the inferno on New Year's Eve – and many animal residents also become fearful and panicked. It’s not uncommon for them to escape, get seriously injured or even die,” says Jana Hoger. “Politicians must now finally take consistent action against this grievance for all living beings and the environment. Until then, pet owners can make the turn of the year a little easier for their dogs and cats with good preparation and rest.”
Why wild animals are particularly at risk during fireworks on New Year's Eve
Especially in winter, local wild animals have to manage their energy well, as they only have limited energy and food reserves. A large loss of energy due to disturbances or panicked escapes can have life-threatening consequences. Many people don't know that German cities are now densely populated with a variety of wild animals. Rockets and firecrackers quickly become a danger to foxes, martens, raccoons and countless other animals. When shocked, many birds move to heights that are unusual for them, which results in a significant loss of energy. Clouds of smoke and bright flares can also cause disorientation, block your vision and blind you, preventing you from avoiding obstacles in time. (1)
Five tips for spending New Year's Eve relaxing with your dog and cat:
- Hours before the turn of the year, many partygoers start having a blast. The animals therefore have to spend New Year's Eve safely indoors. Even fenced gardens are not safe on New Year's Eve: animals frightened to death almost always find a way out when trying to escape. At the turn of the year from 2023 to 2024 alone, 880 animals were reported missing to the “TASSO pet registry” within two days. (2)
- Closed shutters, shelter, soft lighting and quiet music or television noise can help reduce the noise of fireworks for animals. It is important to convey calm and serenity to your four-legged friends and not to leave them alone in times of fear. At the same time, it must be accepted if the animals want to withdraw and hide in the apartment or house.
- Pet owners who go for a walk with dogs on New Year's Eve should keep their animals on a leash and, if possible, put them in an escape-proof safety harness. Dogs that only have a traditional harness should also wear a collar with an address tag and phone number in case they get loose. Registering your animal companion in a “pet registry” such as “TASSO” is essential.
- Dogs are not allowed to be taken to the fireworks display under any circumstances. In addition to the shock potential, rockets and firecrackers also pose a risk of injury to people and animals.
- If your animal companions are known to suffer particularly badly from the noisy New Year or if they are prone to panic attacks, it may be advisable to administer calming medication in early consultation with the veterinary practice. Owners of anxious dogs can escape the noise on New Year's Eve by briefly going to a quiet area.
PETA draws attention to the fact that Saint Silvester, after whom the last day of the year is named, is the patron saint of “pets” and calls on everyone to celebrate this New Year without fireworks.
In a representative GfK survey, 58.2 percent of those surveyed were in favor of banning loud, banging fireworks because of the impact on animals, people and the environment. Only 36.9 percent consider loud fireworks to be unproblematic. (3)
If animal lovers avoid fireworks and follow the tips for a relaxed New Year's Eve, nothing stands in the way of a peaceful New Year's Eve.
Sources
(1) Shamoun-Baranes J., Dr. Adriaan M., van Gasteren H., van Loon EE, Leijnse H., Bouten W. (2011): Birds flee en mass from New Year's Eve fireworks. Behavioral Ecology. doi:10.1093/beheco/arr102.
(2) TASSO: New Year's Eve numbers 2023/2024. Available online at: https://www.tasso.net/Presse/
(3) GfK survey PETA: Ban on loud fireworks. Available online at: https://www.peta.de/wp-