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Föhr follows suit: Strict ban on firecrackers on New Year's Eve for animal welfare!
Debate about firecracker bans in northern Germany: Föhr follows Sylt and Amrum - environmental protection and animal protection play central roles.
Föhr follows suit: Strict ban on firecrackers on New Year's Eve for animal welfare!
Just in time for the turn of the year 2025, the discussion about New Year's Eve fireworks on the North Frisian Islands is getting louder and louder. While conservationists and the police union have been calling for a ban on firecrackers for years, concrete regulations in popular holiday regions are now making headlines. Amrum and Sylt already have strict regulations, and now Föhr is also following suit Moin.de reported.
There is now a comprehensive ban on firecrackers on the island of Föhr. This new step prohibits the sale, bringing and private lighting of category F2 fireworks, including rockets and firecrackers. The aim of the ban is to set an example for environmental and animal protection, according to the statement NDR. Andreas Hansen, spokesman for the Föhr office, emphasizes that the ban is necessary because of the special environment of the Wadden Sea UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Environmental protection in focus
The ban is perceived differently on Föhr. While some residents find it a relief, others are upset about the new regulations. Heated discussions are raging on social networks. Some users are calling for action to protect animals suffering from the loud bangs, while others question the banging as a long-standing tradition. This is not the first time that an island in the region has moved ahead with strict regulations. Similar regulations have been in effect on Sylt for over 40 years, threatening fines of up to 50,000 euros. In Amrum, private fireworks have been banned since 1981, mainly due to fears of fires that could endanger thatched roof houses.
NABU Schleswig-Holstein suggests organizing central fireworks displays instead of many small ones. This measure could not only reduce stress for animals and residents, but also create a community experience. In other North Frisian mainland municipalities, fireworks-free zones have been established within a radius of 200 meters around thatched roof houses, and in St. Peter-Ording the setting off of fireworks is generally prohibited. According to the police union (GdP), a nationwide ban on firecrackers would be desirable in order not to unnecessarily endanger emergency services at the turn of the year.
The animals suffer
A central aspect of this debate is the stress that fireworks place on animals. Every year, not only pets such as dogs and cats, but also numerous wild animals are exposed to extreme stress. Loud noises and flashes of light can trigger panic attacks and lead to flight behavior, which often has tragic consequences. Loud Dog rescue Europe Many animals suffer long-term damage from the loud New Year's Eve fireworks and often show behavioral problems after the festivities. Wild animals that panic also face great danger when they run into the streets to escape.
Considering all of these factors, it is clear that the discussion about the future of New Year's Eve fireworks on Föhr and other North Sea islands is far from over. The new regulations on Föhr represent an important step towards environmental protection and animal protection - and this will certainly be followed closely in other regions.