New Year’s Eve Fireworks: Please Put Animal Wellbeing First

As New Year’s Eve approaches, Hopefield Animal Sanctuary is once again asking our neighbours and local community to carefully consider the impact of fireworks on animals and livestock.

While fireworks may offer a few minutes of entertainment for people, for animals they can cause extreme fear, severe stress and, in the worst cases, serious injury or loss of life. Sadly, we have lost sanctuary residents directly as a result of fireworks in the past, and many others are left traumatised for days or even weeks afterwards.

The sudden loud bangs and flashes created by fireworks can be terrifying for animals. This distress does not only affect sanctuary animals and farm livestock, but also pets, wildlife and vulnerable people within the community. The fear response triggered by fireworks can lead to panic, injury and long-term behavioural changes, and sadly we have had animals at Hopefield lose their lives due to the fright of fireworks being set off nearby.

At Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, animal wellbeing always comes first. We strongly encourage anyone planning to celebrate New Year’s Eve to consider quieter, safer alternatives that do not place animals at risk.

If you were thinking of purchasing fireworks, we kindly ask you to consider using that money in a more positive way by supporting your local animal sanctuary instead. Donations help us provide lifelong care, safety and comfort to rescued animals who rely on us every day.

Thank you for helping us protect those who cannot speak for themselves and for putting animal welfare first as we welcome the new year.