PETA is calling for a nationwide ban on road salt for private individuals and stricter controls
Stuttgart. Many cities and municipalities prohibit the private use of road salt. For example, its use is completely prohibited in Berlin, Munich and Hamburg. Other cities only allow road salt in extreme weather conditions such as freezing rain. But despite the clear regulations, in many places salt is still spread as soon as it is slippery or snowing – with drastic consequences for animals and the environment. PETA expert speaker Jana Hoger explains why road salt is so harmful and presents animal and environmentally friendly alternatives. PETA is calling for a nationwide ban on road salt for private individuals and stricter controls.
“At first glance, road salt may seem practical because it quickly clears driveways and sidewalks of ice and snow,” says Jana Hoger. “But the negative consequences are great and there are many good alternatives that still achieve the desired effect with far less harmful effects. We therefore appeal to everyone to immediately rely on products that do not harm animals or the environment when it is snowy and slippery.”
Why road salt is so harmful
Danger to so-called pets and wild animals: When absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, road salt causes damage. If dogs eat snow, they not only ingest toxins from the air, but often also road salt, which sometimes leads to dangerous vomiting diarrhea. Road salt can also be toxic to wild animals if they ingest it while foraging or grooming themselves.
Painful walks: Road salt attacks dog paws and dries them out. Painful cracks can form, and sharp grit and ice edges cause additional damage to the affected skin. If dirt and bacteria collect in the open areas, this often leads to inflammation. Dogs react very sensitively to the small wounds, show restrictions when walking and lick their paws more often – which further promotes the formation of inflammation. Paw protection cream can help limit the development of open spots.
Road salt damages vegetation: Road salt from roads and sidewalks also gets into rivers and lakes through rain via drainage systems. Globally, this salinization is an urgent problem for drinking water supplies, food production and biodiversity (1). It leads to chemical burns and increased susceptibility to diseases and fungal infections in plants. Salt removes water from the environment and binds minerals necessary for plants. This process can cause the plants to dry out completely and die. Trees in particular are disrupted from their biological rhythm, with parts of their roots also dying (2). Studies indicate that current salinization limits do not protect the environment from significant damage (3).
Animal and environmentally friendly alternatives
- Remove the snow quickly: Icing forms particularly when snow is compacted. If you remove snow promptly and regularly, you reduce the risk of slipping.
- Choose blunting granules: Sand, limestone, ash and wood chips do not melt the ice, but they do reduce the risk of slipping. Before they can be used, snow must first be shoveled, then the products can be distributed generously on the ground. Once it has thawed, home and apartment owners can easily sweep up, dispose of or recycle the granules.
Sources
(1) Kaushal, SS, Likens, GE, Pace, ML et al. Freshwater salinization syndrome: from emerging global problem to managing risks. Biogeochemistry 154, 255–292 (2021). Available online at: https://par.nsf.gov/servlets/purl/10278128. (December 29, 2025).
(2) Federal Environment Agency (2023): Gritting agents: Environmentally friendly against slippery surfaces without salt. Available online at: https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/umwelttipps-fuer-den-alltag/h aushalt-wohnen/streumittel-streusalz#hintergrund. (December 29, 2025).
(3) Hintz, W.D. et al. Current water quality guidelines across North America and Europe do not protect lakes from salinization. Proc. Natl. Acad. of Sci. USA Available online at: https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2115033119. (December 29, 2025).