Animal ambulances dispatched 150 times over New Year’s

The Dutch Animal Protection received over 300 reports of missing or injured animals around New Year’s, including 34 on New Year’s Eve, a slight increase from last year. The Animal Ambulance was called out more than 150 times, the organization says.

“The Dutch Animal Protection has mixed feelings about this past New Year’s Eve,” the organization said. “Even though it was probably the last time consumers could set off fireworks, it still resulted in numerous reports of animal suffering.”

The Dutch Animal Protection has campaigned for a fireworks ban for years, citing its huge impact on animal welfare. Studies show that 75 percent of cats and 66 percent of dogs fear fireworks. “Wild animals, including birds and hedgehogs, also suffer severe stress from the loud bangs, which can sometimes be fatal.”

Before New Year’s Eve, animal organizations warned that it could be the “toughest New Year’s ever” for animals, partly because it was likely the last year consumers could use fireworks, which might lead to extra fireworks being set off.

Dutch veterinary clinics reported a significant spike in prescriptions for "noise-phobia" medications leading up to the 31st. Many clinics were fully booked in December for "firework anxiety" consultations to assess the specific type of anxiety and prescribe appropriate medication, leading to high occupancy in December.

Each New Year’s, numerous pets disappear after panicking, sometimes running into the street and risking injury or accidents. Experts recommend keeping animals indoors, giving them a calm space, and not leaving them alone during fireworks to minimize risk.

Research from the University of Amsterdam (UvA) using weather radar has shown that millions of birds take flight simultaneously at midnight in the Netherlands. This year, reports from nature conservationists in areas like the Veluwe or Oostvaardersplassen noted that wild animals were driven out of their shelters into open areas where they are more vulnerable to the cold.

A recurring issue for the Animal Ambulance is that while many pets are found, many are not microchipped or the registration is outdated. The Animal Protection organization uses this opportunity to remind owners that a panic-stricken dog can run for kilometers, making a current chip registration the only way to reunite them.