Fireworks are, for many people, a symbol of celebration and fun. For animals, however, they often mean severe stress, panic attacks, and even risks to their health or life. Importantly, the use of fireworks in Poland is not entirely unrestricted. In certain situations, the noise they generate may justify intervention by the police or municipal guards, and can even lead to civil or criminal liability.
Fireworks and Animal Suffering – What Does Polish Law Say?
Polish law does not explicitly prohibit the use of fireworks because of animals, but it does include provisions that may apply in such situations.
The key regulation is the Animal Protection Act. According to Article 6 section 2 point 9 of this Act, animal cruelty includes: causing or knowingly allowing pain or suffering, including frightening or teasing animals.
In practice, this means that using fireworks in a prolonged, intense, or deliberately distressing manner, especially in close proximity to animals, may be classified as unlawful behaviour. Each case must be assessed individually, taking into account specific circumstances – such as the time, location, intensity of the noise, and the effects on the animal.
When Can You Call the Police Because of Fireworks?
Disturbing Night-time Peace
The most common basis for intervention is Article 51 of the Code of Petty Offences, which penalises disturbing peace, public order, or night-time rest.
Therefore, if fireworks are set off at night outside socially accepted situations (such as a brief New Year’s Eve display), there are grounds to call the police or municipal guards – regardless of whether anyone has animals.
Violation of Municipal Regulations
Many municipalities introduce local bans or restrictions on the use of fireworks in public order regulations or council resolutions. Violating these rules also constitutes grounds for liability for a misdemeanour. It is important to emphasise that lack of knowledge about a local ban does not exempt anyone from responsibility.
How to Report an Incident – What to Say and What to Collect?
If firework noise is persistent, violates regulations, or poses a threat to animals, it is advisable to call the police or municipal guards and provide officers with the most important information. In your report, describe the place and nature of the incident and explain why the situation requires intervention. Collecting basic evidence can also be helpful, such as a short video, photos, or identifying witnesses who can confirm the disturbance or its impact on the animal. If the animal’s health has deteriorated, keep veterinary documentation, as it may later serve as evidence.
Key Elements of a Report:
a brief description of the situation: place, time, noise intensity, and any risks;
indication of whether night-time peace, a local ban, or public order regulations are being violated;
information that the noise is affecting the animal (e.g., panic, attempts to escape, need for veterinary intervention);
available evidence: recordings, photos, names of witnesses, and the animal’s medical documentation.
Liability for an Animal’s Stress – Is It Possible?
Setting off fireworks may lead not only to a misdemeanour but also to civil liability. If the noise caused severe stress to an animal, worsened its health, or required veterinary intervention, the owner may seek compensation under Article 415 of the Civil Code.
It is important to remember, however, that psychological stress alone is difficult to prove. A claim becomes realistically justified only when concrete costs arise, such as treatment, medication, or veterinary services. In such cases, the person who irresponsibly set off the fireworks may be required to cover the damage.
What Evidence Helps Prove the Damage?
To effectively pursue compensation for damage caused by fireworks, it is useful to gather evidence confirming both the incident itself and its consequences. The most commonly helpful materials include short video recordings or photos showing the manner in which the fireworks were used or the moment of the incident. Testimony from witnesses who can confirm the noise, dangerous behaviour, or the animal’s reaction is also highly valuable.
If the animal required assistance, veterinary documentation will be crucial – a description of injuries, prescribed treatment, and invoices for the visit. Neighbourhood, yard, or shop CCTV footage may also be useful if it captured the moment the fireworks were set off. Each piece of evidence strengthens the claim and makes it easier to prove both the perpetrator’s fault and the amount of the damage.
Local Regulations – Where and When Are Fireworks Prohibited?
Many cities now enforce local bans on the use of fireworks. Some municipalities introduce year-round restrictions, while others allow fireworks only on New Year’s Eve or exclusively during organised displays. Local authorities may also require prior notification of a planned display or designate areas where pyrotechnics are completely forbidden.
For this reason, it is important to check your municipality’s regulations before setting off fireworks. In practice, local rules determine whether a display is legal, and violating them often results in a fine.
Fines and Legal Consequences for Illegal Use of Fireworks
Improper or illegal use of fireworks most often results in a fine, especially when night-time peace, municipal regulations, or the safety of other people has been violated. If the offender refuses to accept the fine or the behaviour was more serious, the case may be referred to court, which may impose a financial penalty.
In severe cases, when fireworks cause animal suffering or pose a real danger, the incident may also be assessed under the Animal Protection Act, which can result in criminal liability. Regardless of administrative or criminal sanctions, a person whose actions caused damage may be required to reimburse the costs incurred by the animal’s owner.
It is worth remembering that the excuse “it was just one firecracker” rarely protects against liability – the law assesses the consequences and circumstances, not the number of fireworks involved.
Alternatives to Fireworks – How to Celebrate Without Stressing Animals?
Alternatives to traditional fireworks are becoming increasingly popular, allowing people to celebrate without causing severe stress to animals. These include laser shows, silent fireworks, sparklers, and various light displays that do not produce loud sound effects. Although these solutions do not eliminate all stimuli, they significantly reduce their intensity in practice, lowering stress levels in pets and reducing the risk of neighbour disputes.
Summary – The Law Favors Animals and Common Sense
The law does not impose an absolute ban on fireworks, but it does set clear limits where the suffering of others – including animals – begins. The goal is not to punish every person who lights a single firecracker, but to intervene when noise becomes excessive, unlawful, or causes real harm.
From a legal perspective, it is increasingly clear that animal protection is no longer just an ethical issue, but also a matter of legal responsibility.
If you are unsure whether a particular situation requires intervention or you want to understand your legal options, contact us. We will help you assess the facts, gather evidence, and take steps that effectively protect you and your animal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are fireworks legal in Poland?
Yes, in principle fireworks are legal, but their use is subject to restrictions arising from general laws (the Code of Petty Offences, the Animal Protection Act) and local regulations adopted by individual municipalities.
Can fireworks be set off throughout the year, not just on New Year’s Eve?
It depends on local regulations. Many municipalities impose year-round bans or allow fireworks only on specific days or during registered pyrotechnic displays.
Can an animal’s stress caused by fireworks justify calling the police?
Yes, if the use of fireworks leads to disturbing public order, violating night-time peace, or clearly causing animal suffering, the police or municipal guards may intervene.
Can setting off fireworks be considered animal cruelty?
In extreme cases – yes. If the behaviour involves knowingly and persistently frightening animals or allowing them to suffer, it may be assessed under the Animal Protection Act.
Can an animal owner claim compensation for damage caused by fireworks?
Yes, if real damage can be demonstrated, such as veterinary treatment costs or a deterioration in the animal’s health directly linked to fireworks used by a specific person.
Do you need evidence to report fireworks use?
It is not always required for intervention, but evidence such as recordings, witness statements, or veterinary documentation significantly increases the effectiveness of the report and any further legal action.
How can I check whether fireworks are banned in my municipality?
Check the municipality’s public order regulations, local council resolutions, or information published on the official website of the city or municipal office.
Are silent fireworks fully legal and safe for animals?
Silent fireworks and alternative celebration methods are generally less disturbing, but they are still subject to local regulations. They do not eliminate stress stimuli completely, but they significantly reduce them.
Can you receive a fine for fireworks only at night?
No. A fine may also be imposed during the day if the use of fireworks violates local regulations, disrupts public order, or creates danger to people or animals.
Does “it was just one firecracker” always protect you from liability?
No. Each situation is assessed individually, and what matters are the circumstances, the place, the timing, and the consequences of the act – not merely the number of firecrackers used.
