As in previous years, there is a ban on firecrackers, fireworks rockets and other pyrotechnics within Vienna’s city limits. And for good reason: “The banging on New Year’s Eve is a burden for people, domestic and wild animals and is also bad for the environment and climate,” emphasizes Vienna’s climate councilor Jürgen Czernohorszky. “That’s why it’s important to avoid any kind of banging on New Year’s Eve!”
“Fireworks release large quantities of air pollutants such as fine dust, sulfur and nitrogen oxides and heavy metals. Loud firecrackers can cause stress to people and animals and all that is left behind from the short-term enjoyment is a lot of rubbish,” emphasizes Michael Kienesberger, head of the City of Vienna’s environmental protection department.
The forestry and agricultural company also asks not to shoot rockets and firecrackers in forest areas, parks and wild animal retreats. “On New Year’s Eve, think of the many animals in our city and therefore avoid rockets and firecrackers, especially in forest areas,” says Forestry Director Andreas Januskovecz.
“Fireworks and bangers around New Year’s Eve can be torture for dogs and other animals,” emphasizes animal protection ombudswoman Eva Persy: “So the same applies this year: prepare yourself and your four-legged friends for restless hours. Many pets and wild animals suffer from the loud, loud noises. They show fearful behavior, hide or even panic.”
Online information on animal welfare
The Vienna Animal Welfare Ombudsman Office provides information online https://www.tieranwalt.at/Aktuelles/Silvester.htm
Sensible measures for pet owners can include: Leaving dogs and cats alone when they hide. Do not try to get the animal out of its hiding place if it feels safe under a bench, for example. Animals are disturbed not only by the noise, but also by the lights associated with fireworks. It is therefore advisable to darken windows with blinds or curtains, but to turn on light in the room and create a pleasant atmosphere with music.
Distractions (e.g. setting tasks, chewing objects) can help if the dog is only moderately affected by the bangs and fireworks. The basic rule is: cheer up instead of pity. “Be there for your animal and try to radiate calm and serenity yourself. Only take your dog for a walk on a leash and time your walks on New Year’s Eve so that you are not outside at the worst “bang times,” says animal protection ombudsman Eva Persy. “Under no circumstances leave a frightened animal alone!
“In the case of sensitive pets, it is important to take measures in advance,” says the animal protection ombudsman. “This can be introducing the animals to the New Year’s Eve noise or even “escape” to the countryside together. It’s far too late to think about how you can help your stressed four-legged friends until New Year’s Eve!”
Preparations at TierQuarTier Vienna
TierQuarTier Vienna also prepares for New Year’s Eve every year. “Like every year, this year we will darken our windows, turn up the radios and leave the lights on in the hallways at night. This is intended to minimize stress for our animals in the form of loud noises or bright fireworks,” says TierQuarTier operations manager Thomas Benda. In addition, the animals are offered plenty of hiding places in the form of caves as well as chewing items and Kongs to relieve stress. “We also work with so-called RelaxoPets for particularly stressed animals. These small speakers emit a frequency that has a calming effect on animals,” explains Benda.
“But the most important thing for our protégés is one thing: that no firecrackers or fireworks are set off in the immediate vicinity of the animal shelter. This is also prohibited by law and we ask the population to adhere to this regulation,” appeals Benda. “Animals in particular suffer enormously from the noise and are also exposed to it without any protection!” he reminds us.
Respect for wildlife
Not only for pets – but also for wild animals – it is important to avoid rockets and firecrackers: Even if you don’t see them often, Vienna and Vienna’s surroundings are home to a large number of wild animals. “The loud crash and exploding rockets mean pure stress for deer, foxes, badgers, rabbits and a wealth of other local wild animals,” said the forestry director. “Since they have very sensitive and fine hearing, they often perceive this noise more intensely. Constant, loud banging triggers particular panic in them and the attempt to escape from the many noises often ends in death!” Especially in the cold season, however, it is particularly important for the animals to conserve their energy reserves in order to survive well winter to come.