New Year’s Eve is just around the corner, but for many people and animals the turn of the year means anything but joy. Noisy rockets and illegal fireworks madness not only rattle the glasses, but also the hearts of many pet owners. Fear, panic and suffering – that is the sad reality that an outdated pyrotechnics law continues to allow. A petition wants to change that now.
Now it’s over. Two days before the big bang, Tierschutz Austria and concerned citizens are urgently calling for a rethink. Under the motto “#Animal LoversDon’t Shoot” Tierschutz Austria is calling for the Austrian pyrotechnics law to finally be tightened based on the French model. Strict regulations and rigorous controls are intended to prevent the misuse of illegal firecrackers and the improper use of fireworks.
Why France as a role model?
While in Austria, despite bans, rockets are still being fired en masse in urban areas, France has been relying on clear consequences for years. There, too, dangerous fireworks are not allowed to be set off in urban areas or near large gatherings of people; anyone who violates this risk hefty fines of up to 150,000 euros or ten years in prison. „France manages to enforce its rules and shows that a safe New Year without chaos and suffering is possible
“emphasizes Martin Aschauer, spokesman for Tierschutz Austria.
Clear demands on the new government
The previous government had promised to revise the pyrotechnics law, but nothing has happened to date. “We expect the new government to correct the failings of its predecessors and act immediately!”says Aschauer. What is specifically required is:
- Penalties based on the French model.
- Strict controls against the illegal import of dangerous firecrackers.
- Stricter action against improper use of fireworks.
Prevent suffering – protect people and animals!
Anyone who believes that only animals are affected is seriously mistaken: “It’s about the safety of all of us!” The improper use of fireworks leads to serious injuries, fires and chaos in hospitals every year. However, animals are particularly badly affected – dogs, cats and wild animals panic due to the deafening noise, and many flee disoriented or even die.
Your vote counts!
The campaign has a clear goal: a new year that is safe, peaceful and animal-friendly. “Help us achieve what is long overdue!”appeals Aschauer on behalf of Tierschutz Austria. Support the call for a strictly regulated pyrotechnics law that protects people and animals alike.
Link to the petition https://www.tierschutz-austria.at/unterstuetze-uns/petitionen/silvester-ohne-angst/