Flemish Animals Minister Ben Weyts (N-VA) has once again urged mayors across Flanders to implement local fireworks bans ahead of the New Year’s Eve celebrations.
With fireworks being a traditional part of the festive season, the minister expressed concerns over their potential risks to both public safety and animals.
Unlike Brussels, where a region-wide fireworks ban is enforced, the decision to permit or restrict fireworks lies with individual municipalities in Flanders.
The Flemish government’s failure to introduce a unified ban, following the Constitutional Court’s annulment of the fireworks decree, has left local councils with the authority to decide whether to allow private fireworks displays.
The end-of-year period has long been associated with the spectacle of fireworks, but the dangers of unsupervised use are evident.
In Belgium, approximately 140 individuals were injured by fireworks last New Year’s Eve, highlighting the serious safety risks posed by amateur displays.
“The loud bangs and blinding flashes are also a scourge for animals: every year, frightened animals break out, get injured, or even die,” Weyts stated in his call for action.
In response to the issue, Weyts sent a letter to all Flemish mayors, urging them to take a stand and introduce local bans for fireworks.
The aim is to prevent the risks associated with amateur displays, which can be dangerous, particularly when alcohol is involved.
“Mayors can choose to leave it to professionals and ensure fireworks are limited to well-chosen places and well-defined moments,” Weyts suggested.
“But it is not a good idea to let amateurs play with fireworks inexperienced and injudiciously, especially not on New Year’s Eve.”
A recent survey conducted by Oscare, a research centre for burn and scar victims, revealed that almost half of Flemish municipalities intend to permit fireworks for the upcoming celebrations.
This statistic underscores the need for heightened awareness and action among local leaders. Weyts has urged all mayors to take responsibility for their communities by issuing a local ban and effectively communicating the decision to their residents.
The minister also emphasized the importance of making the public aware of the risks fireworks present, not only to people but also to animals.
The sound of fireworks can cause significant distress to pets and wildlife, leading to injuries or even death as animals attempt to flee from the noise. Weyts hopes that the implementation of local bans will mitigate these dangers and prevent unnecessary harm.
In Flanders, where fireworks are still allowed in some municipalities, Weyts cautioned against the dangers of allowing unregulated amateur use.
“Flanders must not be the Wild West,” he warned. “You cannot run the risk of having an arrow whizzing past your ears everywhere here. The suffering for animals and people is just too great.”
With many new mayors taking office after the October 13 local elections, this New Year’s Eve will be the first for many local officials.
Weyts has called on them to prioritize the safety of their communities and to take swift action in issuing a ban.
As New Year’s Eve draws near, it remains to be seen whether a significant portion of Flemish municipalities will heed the minister’s call, but the debate over fireworks is sure to continue as the holiday season approaches.
