Bonn. The German Animal Welfare Association warns: The noise of firecrackers and the flashes of light from rockets on New Year's Eve mean massive stress for animals. Some even pay with their lives when they try to escape in panic. The association has therefore long been calling for a ban on private firecrackers and gives pet owners tips on how they can reduce fear and panic in dogs, cats and the like.
“For many animals, the banging is torture. Because of their sensitive hearing, they hear the noises much louder and cannot classify them. Dogs that panic can get loose from the leash and get lost. Cats can run in front of a car or hide in basements, sheds or garages without getting out. Many of them also run miles away. Every year, numerous animals are reported missing around New Year's Eve; not all of them are recovered,” says Dr. Moira Gerlach, consultant for pets at the German Animal Welfare Association.
The association recommends that pet owners have their cats and dogs marked with a transponder with a microchip and registered with FINDEFIX, the pet register of the German Animal Welfare Association. This is the only way lost animals can be quickly and clearly assigned to their owner. Walks with dogs should only take place on a leash – even on the days before and after New Year's Eve – and at times when fewer fireworks are expected. It's best to secure your dog twice with the collar and harness. Cats stay indoors on New Year's Eve for safety reasons. Closed windows, lowered blinds, and background noise like music or a TV on can distract from the loud noises outside. Animal owners should stay close to their animals at the turn of the year and behave as confidently as possible – this conveys security. Excessive stroking or coaxing, however, does not help. Sedatives should under no circumstances be administered on your own, but only after consultation with the veterinarian.
Protect birds and small pets from fireworks
The German Animal Welfare Association advises that birds kept in outdoor aviaries should be particularly protected against incoming rockets and firecrackers. Night lighting can reduce flashes of light and help the animals to orientate themselves if there is any disturbance. Guinea pigs or rabbits are best kept in a quiet room in the apartment, as far away from closed and darkened windows as possible. A large cloth placed over the small animal enclosure or aviary also helps.
Keep horses protected in the stable
Horse owners should keep their animals in the stable on New Year's Eve, as the fleeing animals are very sensitive to noise and can quickly panic. Ideally, there will be someone on site on New Year's Eve who can keep an eye on the horses. Particularly tasty food can distract the animals. To ensure that no firecrackers are set off near the stable, stable owners should speak to residents in advance. The German Animal Welfare Association appeals to the population to voluntarily refrain from private fireworks, especially if animals are or could be nearby – such as near animal shelters, stables, forests and riverside regions. “With a little consideration, we can help make the turn of the year more bearable for animals,” emphasizes Gerlach.