Stress from Fireworks - Dozens of Pets Escape in Hesse - New Year’s Eve fireworks send dogs fleeing in Hesse’s worst pet crisis
New Year’s Eve fireworks have once again caused a sharp rise in missing pets across Hesse. Over the holiday, the number of dogs running away from home surged to more than three times the daily average. Animal welfare groups have long warned about the dangers of private fireworks, with calls for stricter regulations growing louder each year.
Tasso, Germany’s largest pet registration service, recorded 36 missing dogs and cats in Hesse on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day alone. Normally, the region sees an average of 5.6 dogs and 21 cats reported missing each day. But during the celebrations, the number of lost dogs jumped to 18 per day—far above the usual rate. Cats, however, did not show the same spike, likely because owners kept them indoors or because frightened felines stayed hidden outside.
Many pets react with extreme stress to the loud noises and bright flashes of fireworks. Even animals that have never shown fear before can suddenly panic and bolt. Some owners underestimate the risks, leaving pets unsecured or failing to recognise signs of distress until it’s too late. Tasso, which tracks pets via microchips or tattoos, operates an emergency hotline to help reunite lost animals with their families. Most dogs have since been found, but cats often take longer to return home.
The issue has prompted repeated calls for change. Both Tasso and the Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH) have pushed for years to ban private fireworks on New Year’s Eve. Their campaigns highlight the harm caused not only to pets but also to wildlife and the environment.
The New Year’s holiday continues to pose a major risk for household pets, with dogs particularly vulnerable to fleeing in fear. While many missing animals are eventually recovered, the surge in runaways reinforces concerns about the impact of fireworks. Authorities and animal welfare groups are now urging pet owners to take extra precautions—or reconsider the use of private displays altogether.
