At midnight on New Year's Eve, the canine world crumbled. Previously happy-go-lucky dogs and cats now lay quivering on the floor or hiding in corners, their rapid breaths accompanied by intense anxiety.
That's the sad reality of fireworks for most animals.
Impact of fireworks on animals
A poignant film titled "And a Happy New Year!" by filmmaker Sebastian Mulder aims to shed light on the often unnoticed trauma animals endure during festivities, particularly the terror induced by fireworks.
Inspired by his own cat's fear caused by fireworks, Sebastian equipped 24 dogs with GoPro cameras to provide a visceral perspective of their distress.
The night starts happily, with animals playing with their owners. But it all changes when midnight strikes and loud, colourful fireworks fill the sky. The film reveals heart-wrenching scenes of trembling dogs, panicked cats seeking refuge, and birds disturbed in their habitats.
Understanding for animals
Sebastian wants his film to highlight the urgent need for empathy toward animals on celebratory occasions and question whether we should still use fireworks when we know they can harm both pets and humans.
Here's the trailer for Sebastian's film:
"And a Happy New Year!" is a powerful tool for animal advocacy, aiming to make viewers reconsider the consequences of festive traditions on our non-human companions. Sebastian hopes the documentary prompts a shift in awareness and becomes a catalyst for discussions on animal protection among audiences of all ages.
