ANKARA

Despite a partial ban on their use, hundreds of animals were killed by fireworks during the 2022 New Year celebrations in Italy, according to an animal rights group.

Italian streets saw many dead birds last year during the 2021 celebrations, which triggered criticism from environmental organizations as well as animal protection advocates.

To prevent the last year's scenario again, Rome mayor Roberto Gualtieri announced on Dec. 30 that the use of firecrackers, bangers, rockets, and other explosive material was banned in the capital from Dec. 31 to Jan. 6.

According to the Italian Association for Animal Defense and Environment's initial data, cited by local newspaper Il Messaggero, at least 400 cats and dogs died.

The regions with the highest number of deceased animals are Calabria and Sicily, followed by Lombardy and Campania.

Fireworks are considered dangerous as they not only result in animals’ deaths, but also damage the environment by releasing smoke and greenhouses gases.

* Burak Bir contributed to this report​​​​​​​