Ban on firecrackers on New Year's Eve? Hannover Zoo protects animals from noise!

Ban on firecrackers on New Year's Eve? Hannover Zoo protects animals from noise!

The New Year often begins with colorful fireworks and cheerful bangs, but the discussion about private fireworks on New Year's Eve is becoming more and more intense. Hanover Zoo will also be open on December 31st this year, but with shortened opening hours. The animal shelter closes at 2 p.m. so that the employees can prepare for the upcoming challenges of New Year's Eve. As news38.de reports, animal husbandry requires special precautions to protect the animals from the noise and hustle and bustle of the fireworks.

This problem is not new. Many animals suffer from the noise caused by fireworks and firecrackers. The zoo therefore appeals to all celebrants to refrain from setting off firecrackers and rockets near the zoo. “We want to avoid incidents like the fire at the Krefeld Zoo in 2019,” it says. The animal keepers are also called upon: They take the animals to their safe accommodations before the expected noise in order to protect them from fear and stress.

The voice of animal protection

The discussion about a ban on firecrackers is increasingly supported by the voices of the German Animal Welfare Association. This calls for a ban on the private purchase and use of pyrotechnics on New Year's Eve and supports the “Böllerciao” campaign by German Environmental Aid. Because rockets and bangers not only cause stress in pets, but also massive anxiety in wild animals. Thomas Schröder, President of the Animal Welfare Association, argues that municipal bans on certain areas around animal-keeping facilities are urgently needed to protect the animals. As the Animal Welfare Association explains on its website, alternatives such as drone shows could represent an animal-friendly solution. Tierschutzbund

The health risks and environmental impact of fireworks are also a big issue. Environmentalists and the police union are calling for a ban on private fireworks displays due to high levels of particulate matter and environmentally harmful chemicals. Jörg-Andreas Krüger, head of the German Nature Conservation Association (Nabu), emphasizes how harmful the situation is for people and animals. Support for this ban comes from over 64 organizations as well as the German Medical Association and the German Red Cross, which are also in favor of stricter measures. Environmental Aid chairman Jürgen Resch points out that the results of New Year's Eve are “devastating” and that alternatives are urgently needed. Zeit

A look into the future

But not everyone shares this view. Some people don't want to give up the tradition of fireworks. So it remains exciting to see whether a general ban on firecrackers will actually be enforced in Germany or whether there will be further compromises. The icebreakers are the municipalities that are already in a position to exempt certain areas from permission to set off fireworks on New Year's Eve. It remains to be seen whether the desire for consideration for animals, the environment and public safety will prevail over the custom of fireworks in the long term. Those who want to keep their celebration quiet and respectful might be wise to use animal-friendly alternatives in the future.