Municipal ordinances and the Oipa decalogue
Some Italian municipalities have already issued ordinances to ban the use of firecrackers for New Year's Eve celebrations, but too many citizens continue this anachronistic tradition, also due to the scarcity of checks.
"To prevent the last day of the year from turning into a drama or tragedy for animals, we have drawn up a decalogue with rules and suggestions to secure and reassure your four-legged family member. The beginning of the new year should be a joy for everyone, not a reason for terror", explains the president of OIPA, Massimo Comparotto.
At the same time, Comparotto calls on law enforcement to make checks a priority, repressing irresponsible conduct in the use of firecrackers.
Here are the 10 points of the OIPA Decalogue:
- Let's keep animals away from celebrations and places where firecrackers are exploded.
- Let's not leave them alone: they may have uncontrolled reactions and hurt themselves. We stay close to them, appear calm and distract them.
- Let's not leave them in the garden: let's keep them indoors or in a protected place to prevent escapes.
- Let's turn up the volume of radio or television, closing windows and shutters to reduce outside noise.
- Let's leave it that way they take refuge wherever they prefer, even if it is a place that is usually off-limits.
- During the walks, let's always keep them on a leash to avoid escapes dictated by fear.
- Let's consult a veterinary behaviorist to evaluate supportive therapy, if necessary.
- Let's avoid DIY tranquilizers, which could be contraindicated and make the situation worse.
- Let's organize a day trip to spend New Year's Eve away from the noise of the city.
- We ask the Municipality for ordinances against firecrackers and raise public awareness of the damage caused to our animal friends.
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Regulations and alternative proposals
There is a law that prohibits the explosion of firecrackers or fireworks in the vicinity of people and animals, providing compensation for damages. Such conduct may have criminal relevance.
OIPA hopes for a legislative ban on the use of firecrackers and fireworks, inviting municipalities to adopt in the meantime effective measures, proposing alternatives such as silent fires or drone light shows.