As the holidays approach, we would like to remind everyone that the use of firecrackers, fireworks, and other pyrotechnic products has a real impact on animal well-being.
Their hearing, much more sensitive than ours, makes the detonations particularly stressful for them.
In the Brussels-Capital Region, setting off fireworks is prohibited, even on private property, since 2023. In certain Brussels municipalities, the use of firecrackers is also prohibited for two months starting from mid-December.
Nevertheless, every year, we observe:
- Animals found wandering after fleeing, disoriented by the sudden noises.
- Dogs and cats seized by panic, which explains why they escape or display unusual behaviors.
- In suburban areas, birds and farm animals are highly stressed, especially in rural zones. In our shelter in Anderlecht, sheep and goats are brought inside at night, but remain sensitive to explosions.
- Injuries caused by shocks, falls, or accidents as a result of the panic triggered by the detonations.
Gaëtan Van Goidsenhoven: “While many prohibitions have been issued by the authorities, their enforcement is often difficult. It is therefore essential that the public is fully aware of the serious and sometimes dramatic consequences that firecrackers and fireworks pose to animals. Let’s not turn our celebrations into nightmares for animals.”
To minimize the risks, we urge everyone to exercise caution and responsibility.
- Avoid pyrotechnic products as much as possible, especially near homes, shelters, and natural areas.
- Notify your neighbors if you plan to set off authorized fireworks.
- Secure your animals during high-risk periods.
- Opt for alternatives such as light shows, light projections, and lighted paths.
Protecting animals is also about showing collective responsibility.
The Veeweyde Team