DECEMBER 29, 2025 — The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) has once again sounded the alarm over the dangers of firecrackers as New Year’s Eve approaches, stressing that animals remain the most vulnerable victims of the annual revelry.

Reports of missing pets, runaway dogs, and cases of cruelty spike every December 31, according to PAWS, as animals panic from the deafening explosions and suffocating smoke. The group has documented incidents where pets were injured or killed after bolting from their homes in fear.

“Ang gusto talaga namin matigil na iyong pagpaputok tuwing New Year. Taon-taon ginagawa namin ito. Nababawasan naman sa palagay namin iyong gumagamit ng paputok. Kasi ito ay nakakapinsala sa ating mga alagang hayop. Sila iyong number one na biktima,” said PAWS Executive Director Anna Cabrera. 

(What we really want is to stop firecracker use every New Year. We do this campaign yearly. We think fewer people are using them. They harm our pets. They are the number one victims.)

Beyond household pets, wildlife and birds also suffer from the blasts, especially smaller creatures vulnerable to noise and smoke. Cabrera recalled a case in Valenzuela where a dog lost its tongue after fleeing in terror from fireworks.

The group has also flagged disturbing reports of deliberate cruelty, where firecrackers are thrown at stray animals “for fun.” 

PAWS reminded the public that such acts are punishable by up to two years in prison with fines reaching ₱250,000.

The organization continues to advise pet owners to keep animals indoors during celebrations. Dogs left outside have strangled themselves on chains or escaped, only to end up injured or lost. 

To reduce stress, PAWS recommends placing pets in quiet, ventilated rooms, masking noise with music or white sound, and providing safe hiding spaces. Anxiety wraps or snug vests may also help calm dogs during the festivities.

The issue, however, goes beyond pet safety. Firecrackers also pose risks to people with respiratory conditions, with the smoke contributing to pollution that affects entire communities. 

Should the tradition of firecrackers still be tolerated when both humans and animals suffer? Is the thrill of a few minutes of noise worth the trauma and danger it causes?

These questions have always stirred debate, with many Filipinos weighing the balance between tradition and responsibility. The call from PAWS provides a strong angle, though: avoid firecrackers altogether and protect those who cannot protect themselves. 

Which side are you on?

(Image: Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) | Facebook)