FOUR PAWS calls on South Africans to protect animals by avoiding fireworks this New Year

As South Africans prepare to ring in the New Year, global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS has issued a renewed call for communities to ditch fireworks and choose kinder, safer ways to celebrate — warning that the festive tradition causes severe distress and lasting trauma to animals.

In a statement released December 22, FOUR PAWS said fireworks may be entertaining for people, but for animals they trigger panic, fear and life-threatening behaviour.

“Fireworks may be a thrill for some, but for animals, they’re a source of panic and trauma. Every year, we see pets go missing, injure themselves, or suffer severe anxiety due to the noise and chaos. It’s time we prioritise compassion over spectacle,” said Fiona Miles, director of FOUR PAWS South Africa.

The organisation warned that dogs and cats hear sounds up to four times more acutely than humans, making loud, unpredictable explosions especially terrifying. Unlike thunderstorms, fireworks are sudden and relentless, often lasting for hours.

FOUR PAWS said many pets attempt to flee in panic, increasing the risk of traffic accidents or becoming permanently lost, while wildlife and livestock are also vulnerable to injury and disorientation. Even a single traumatic incident, the organisation noted, can result in lifelong noise phobias, with repeated exposure during festive periods reinforcing fear and anxiety.

Calling for a shift in how South Africans celebrate, FOUR PAWS urged communities to say no to fireworks altogether and instead opt for silent alternatives such as laser shows or eco-friendly light displays. The organisation also encouraged residents to support municipalities that enforce firework bans and to report illegal use.

Pet owners are advised to prepare safe, quiet spaces indoors, complete with familiar bedding and toys, close windows and curtains, and play calming music to reduce outside noise. FOUR PAWS stressed that animals should never be left alone during times when fireworks are likely to be set off.

Beyond individual households, the organisation appealed for broader community awareness, encouraging residents to educate children about the impact of fireworks on animals, share information with neighbours and check in on vulnerable households.

“Let’s shift the culture — celebration doesn’t have to come at the cost of animal welfare. By choosing kindness, we create safer, more inclusive communities,” Miles said.

FOUR PAWS said the New Year presents an opportunity for South Africans to “make a different kind of noise” — one that speaks up for animals who cannot protect themselves.

“Whether you’re a pet owner, neighbour or concerned citizen, your actions matter. Together, we can ensure that joy for humans does not mean terror for animals,” the organisation said.

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Cape Argus