The German Animal Welfare Federation warns: for animals, the noise of firecrackers and the flashes of light from rockets on New Year's Eve cause massive stress. Some even pay with their lives when they try to flee in panic. The association has therefore long been calling for a ban on private firecrackers and gives pet owners tips on how to reduce fear and panic in dogs, cats and other pets.
“For many animals, firecrackers are torture. Due to their sensitive hearing, they hear the sounds much louder and are unable to classify them. Dogs that panic can break free from the lead and get lost. Cats can run in front of a car or hide in cellars, sheds or garages without finding their way out again. Many of them also run away for miles. Every year, numerous animals are reported missing around New Year's Eve; not all of them are found again,” says Dr. Moira Gerlach, pet expert at the German Animal Welfare Federation.
The association recommends that pet owners always have their cats and dogs identified with a transponder and microchip and register them with FINDEFIX, the German Animal Welfare Association's pet register. This is the only way that lost animals can be quickly and clearly traced back to their owner. Dogs should only be taken for walks on a lead - even on the days before and after New Year's Eve - and at times when few fireworks are expected. It is best to secure your dog twice with a collar and harness.
To be on the safe side, cats should stay indoors on New Year's Eve. Closed windows, lowered blinds and background noises such as music or a TV on can distract from the loud noises outside. Pet owners should stay close to their animals at the turn of the year and behave as confidently as possible - this conveys a sense of security. Excessive stroking or coaxing, on the other hand, will not help. Under no circumstances should tranquilizers be administered on your own, but only after consulting a vet.
PROTECT BIRDS AND SMALL PETS FROM FIREWORKS
The German Animal Welfare Federation advises that birds kept in outdoor aviaries should be protected against incoming rockets and firecrackers. Night lighting can soften flashes of light and help the animals to orientate themselves if they become restless. Guinea pigs or rabbits are best kept in a quiet room in the home as far away from a closed and darkened window as possible. A large cloth placed over the small animal enclosure or bird aviary also helps.
KEEP HORSES PROTECTED IN THE STABLE
Horse owners should keep their animals indoors on New Year's Eve, as these flight animals are very sensitive to noise and can quickly panic. Ideally, someone should be on site on New Year's Eve to keep an eye on the horses. Particularly tasty feed can distract the animals. Stable owners should talk to local residents in advance to ensure that no firecrackers are set off near the stables. The German Animal Welfare Association appeals to the public to voluntarily refrain from setting off private fireworks, especially if animals are or could be in the vicinity - such as near animal shelters, stables, forests and riverside areas. “With a little consideration, we can help make the turn of the year more bearable for animals,” emphasizes Gerlach.
Note to editors: The German Animal Welfare Federation supports the current “Böllerciao” campaign by Deutsche Umwelthilfe, which is campaigning for a firecracker-free and peaceful New Year's Eve. Animal lovers have the opportunity to sign an open letter to Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser on the website calling for a ban on firecrackers in Germany. You can find more information about the campaign here: www.duh.de/mitmachen/boellerfreies-silvester.
