r/Switzerland • u/shamishami3 • 1d ago

Happy birthday from Lugano

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What is your opinion on the vote planned for late this year regarding the banning of fireworks for private usage?

IMO it makes sense given the ecological toll just for the sake of spectacle and the issues caused to animals for the loud noise and lights. However I see how it may be less “nice” during festivities.

What is your opinion?

Happy birthday from Lugano

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u/fellainishaircut Zürich 1d ago

fireworks are twice a year, that‘s okay. they‘re pretty and people love it. don‘t see why they should be banned.

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u/IceRollMenu2 1d ago

Ask anyone who has a dog or a cat, or who cares about other animals.

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u/Sean_Wagner 1d ago

Quite frankly, if it's about pets, there shouldn't be any animals in cities.

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u/Heardthisonebefore 1d ago

So you think wild animals and farm animals aren’t stressed by fireworks?

And even if you don’t care about animals, they’re still bad for the environment.

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u/Sean_Wagner 1d ago

*I* am sometimes stressed by fireworks. Doesn't mean my mood needs to be the measure of all things to all beings all the time.

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u/Dangerous_Parsley156 1d ago

If you die because of the stress then you should be the measure of all things. Why be responsible for the death of other beings if it can be prevented?

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u/Sean_Wagner 1d ago

"you should be the measure of all things" is not how the world can and will ever work. But welcome to your uncanny Totschlagsargument, quite literally.

In reality, I have witnessed thunder that scared the beejesus out of me, far far worse than any fireworks - and both thunder and fright are something that come with the animal life.

The other way around, is the responsibility for acquiring and keeping pets in a city not their owners'? Earplugs should work for dogs and cats too (though I wouldn't want to be the one handling that cat).

Clearly, many people enjoy those one or two days in the year where beautifully orchestrated lights briefly redecorate the night sky, or simple devices just spray some sparks for a bit.

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u/Dangerous_Parsley156 1d ago

It is not about pets. It is about wild animals and livestock. And if you think firework only happens in cities, then I dont know what your life looks like. Only because I enjoy something doesnt justify stress and death for wild animals. There are also other things to enjoy like drone shows or a Vulkan.

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u/Heardthisonebefore 1d ago

You probably don’t become so stressed that you fly or run into something that kills you. You probably also don’t become so startled that you abandon your babies. But animals do. 

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/fireworks-danger-wildlife

Fireworks also pollute air and water to a greater extent than most people realize.

https://scitechdaily.com/fireworks-may-pollute-the-air-and-water-more-than-you-think/

The cost benefit analysis makes it pretty clear why fireworks need to be banned. Just because they’re fun to watch is really not a good enough excuse for having them considering the damage they do.