For many people in Germany, the week begins with stocking up on fireworks for New Year’s Eve at their supermarket of choice.
In Germany, the sale of fireworks is permitted by law only on the last three working days of the year: this year, 29, 30 and 31 December. By statute, fireworks may only be set off on 31 December and 1 January, and they remain an essential part of New Year’s Eve celebrations in the eyes of Germans.
But not everyone sees them as a symbol of cheer: the loud bangs can retraumatise people who have experienced war, military veterans, and they are no fun for our four-legged friends either.
For this reason, many animal welfare campaigners are calling for a ban on fireworks.
On high alert for days
Animal rights activist and influencer Malte Zierden is in favour of a ban on firecrackers in Germany.
“We collectively cause animal suffering on New Year’s Eve. What is a joyous moment for us is a complete loss of control for animals,” Zierden told Euronews.
“The noise comes suddenly, unpredictably, and there’s nowhere to hide. Even if the chaos only lasts one night, their bodies often remain on high alert for days.”
Zierden has gained over 1 million followers on Instagram through his animal welfare work and has published a children’s book about his friendship with the late pigeon called Oßkar.
He also travels to crisis and war zones, including Ukraine, to rescue animals from the frontlines. It was on one of these missions that he found his own dogs, Ma and Thirteen, which he rescued from Ukraine.
“There’s hardly any difference in how they experience New Year’s Eve,” Zierden said, pointing to the loud explosions, disorientation and sheer fear. For many animals, he explained, it can be life-threatening – even without any malicious intent.
“New Year’s Eve is often treated as a seasonal nuisance. A few days of noise, that’s all. But that’s far too short-sighted. For many animals, the suffering doesn’t end with the last bang,” he told Euronews.
For Zierden, it’s not just the fireworks themselves, but the “quiet moments after the bang” that are most telling.
“Animals that freeze, tremble, or hide. Not because they’re weak, but because their bodies have learned it’s dangerous to be seen. We rarely see the suffering of wild animals. Just because it happens in the forest doesn’t mean it isn’t real. Most of the harm on New Year’s Eve happens where no one is looking,” he added.
Tom Terveer from the animal welfare organisation Notpfote explains that firecrackers can cause trembling, panting, and disorientation.
In wild animals – birds, hedgehogs, wild boar – the sudden noise and flashes can trigger panic, stress, and confusion, sometimes with fatal consequences. Birds may fly to dangerous heights, losing vital energy, while hibernating hedgehogs can be torn from their sleep.
Many cases go unreported, but the effects are deadly every year, said Terveer. “In Germany alone, hundreds of dogs go missing over New Year’s Eve – around 430 in 2024/25 – and not all are found alive,” he explained.
“Panic-related deaths are also increasing. Rabbits can suffer heart attacks, while wild animals and birds may die from exhaustion or collisions. Farm animals, such as horses, can be seriously injured when they break through fences in panic.”
Pets are not spared either. Many dogs and cats bolt from their owners, and according to the German animal welfare group Tasso e.V., some die or are never reunited with their families.
Last year, at least two dogs reportedly died after running onto a motorway in panic.
‘Collateral damage to our traditions’
Zierden is increasingly campaigning for a ban on firecrackers and fireworks, sharing videos on social media and backing a petition from the Berlin police union calling for a nationwide ban.
The petition has already collected more than 2.4 million signatures. Yet nationwide, around 69% of Germans still view New Year’s Eve fireworks as an essential part of the celebrations. At the same time, a portion of the population supports restrictions or bans, according to an Ipsos study.
“I think the debate is crucial,” Zierden added, stressing that for him it is less about a ban and more about conscience.
“We debate every year whether fireworks should remain. We much less often ask ourselves what price other living beings pay for this,” Zierden said.
“Compassion changes behaviour far more effectively than any ban. You can tell a lot about a society by whose suffering it is willing to consider,” he added.
Zierden hopes that animals will “no longer be treated as collateral damage in our traditions.”
“Animals aren’t just part of our environment – they are essential to our survival. How we treat them says a lot about the kind of society we want to be.”
The animal rights activist said he dreams of a world where “we treat animals as equals, not out of pity, but out of responsibility.”
