Animal welfare experts and advocates told the Polish Press Agency (PAP) that a year-round ban on pyrotechnics is urgently needed to protect both domestic and wild animals from distress and harm caused by loud explosions and bright flashes.
“Fireworks cause serious suffering to animals and people. We could do without them,” said Anna Zielińska, head of the Viva! Foundation. She warned that pets often panic during fireworks displays, leading to escapes and injuries, while wild animals can be killed fleeing onto roads.
Fireworks bans were expected to be discussed in December by the parliamentary Committee on Animal Protection, but progress was delayed due to a presidential veto on broader animal welfare legislation. As a result, no national restrictions will be in place for this New Year’s Eve.
Two draft bills remain under consideration. One, from the Left party, would allow municipalities to restrict or ban Class F2 and F3 fireworks. Another, from the Civic Coalition, proposes a nationwide ban on Class F3 fireworks, with exceptions for local governments on designated occasions such as New Year’s Eve.
Legal expert Katarzyna Topczewska, representing Viva!, said partial bans are ineffective. “If we want this to matter, we need a full, nationwide, year-round ban,” she said, pointing to repeated incidents of irresponsible use — including a case in which tourists ignited fireworks in a national park on New Year’s Eve 2023, endangering wildlife.
Despite the lack of federal regulation, some cities are taking action. Kraków passed a year-round fireworks ban set to take effect in 2026, though the regional governor plans to challenge the measure in court. Zakopane has enforced a local ban since 2019, and Warsaw replaced fireworks with laser shows in 2018, while continuing to encourage residents to avoid pyrotechnics.
Advocates argue the public is increasingly supportive of a ban. “We passed a fur farming ban, something many thought impossible,” Zielińska said. “Society is ready.”
(jh)
Source: PAP