Many fireworks are traditionally shot off during New Year’s Eve. Each city and municipality in Flanders chooses whether to introduce a local fireworks ban and Minister Ben Weyts calls on local authorities to do so. According to a survey, it appears that almost half of the Flemish municipalities still allow fireworks.
Not only do people suffer physical injuries, but animals also refrain from using fireworks. The persistent loud bangs and flashes of light cause animals to become anxious and (try to) escape themselves. Or worse, death.
And the minister now wants to do something about that: “Fireworks can really spoil the New Year,” says Weyts. “I ask every mayor to issue a local ban and to communicate about it properly, so that every resident is informed. Flanders should not be the Wild West: you should not run the risk of getting an arrow right past your ears everywhere you go. The suffering for animals and people is simply too great. Feel free to ask our emergency services, who see the consequences every New Year’s Eve.”