The Senate of the Netherlands has voted in favor of banning the sale of fireworks to individuals, a measure the Government hopes to implement in time for the New Year 2026/27 celebration.
The decision puts an end to a long campaign driven by doctors, emergency services, and social organizations, who for years denounced the negative effects of pyrotechnics: hundreds of people injured every New Year’s Eve and millions of euros in damage to private property.
A change with citizen support
The House of Representatives had already approved the measure in April, after the liberal party changed its stance and decided to support it. Only the far-right parties and the Socialist Party voted against it.
Esther Ouwehand, leader of the animalist party and one of the promoters of the project, celebrated the vote as:
“A great news for people and animals.”
Her party had been demanding this change for more than 20 years.
Until now, 19 Dutch cities had implemented local bans, although they were largely ignored. With this new legislation, the measure will have national character.
Various surveys confirm citizen support:
- Ipsos: 57% support.
- RTL: 60% support.
- EenVandaag: 64% support.
Impact on people and animals
The ban aims to reduce accidents and damage, but it also responds to concerns about animal welfare. Fireworks have a devastating impact on dogs, cats, and wildlife.
Why do dogs fear fireworks?
- Hypersensitive hearing: they perceive higher frequencies and more distant sounds, making the blasts painful.
- Unpredictability: explosions are sudden and variable, triggering their danger alert.
- Survival instinct: they react by fleeing or hiding from what they perceive as a real threat.
- Lack of understanding: they do not understand that these are fireworks, which triggers their nervous system and releases stress hormones like cortisol.
Additionally, factors such as genetics, poor socialization during the puppy stage, or previous traumatic experiences can intensify the fear, transforming it into a sound phobia (sonophobia).
How to help your dog during fireworks
The key is to create a safe and predictable environment:
Before the event
- Tire your dog out with a long walk or games so that they are more relaxed.
- Prepare a refuge: an interior room without windows, with blankets to muffle the noise.
During the fireworks
- Stay calm: your dog perceives your stress. Act normally.
- Mask the sounds with relaxing music, white noise, or even loud rhythms.
- Distract them with activities: interactive toys filled with food or scent games.
- Use calming products: pressure vests (ThunderShirt) or pheromone diffusers (Adaptil).
- Do not tie or lock them up: let them find their own hiding place.
Additional options (consult your veterinarian)
- Anxiolytic medication for severe cases.
- Desensitization techniques with pyrotechnic sounds and positive reinforcements.
The decision of the Netherlands sets an international precedent: it shows that it is possible to move towards a safer, more compassionate society that is aware of animal welfare.
Spain and other countries should follow this example and ban the sale of fireworks to individuals, protecting both people and animals.
Meanwhile, those who live with pets can apply preventive measures to reduce the impact of pyrotechnics and ensure that their furry companions experience the celebrations more calmly.
