A call to ban loud fireworks in the UK this winter in time for Bonfire Night has prompted a government response. Animal charity the RSPCA has been calling for a change in the law to ban fireworks, citing the ‘terror’ that it says animals endure each year when the UK starts to celebrate the foiling of the gunpowder plot on November 5.
The charity is urging people to lobby their MP and a petition to change the law has already attracted more than 52,000 signatures. The RSPCA said: “Each year, through our impact reports, we hear of the devastation, injury and loss of life of animals. It can’t go on. We need you to help us change this by speaking to your MP. With them on our side, we can petition for a change in fireworks laws, to become more considerate of animals, the environment, and vulnerable people.”
The petition, which has now had a response from the government, sets out that fireworks should be limited to 90 decibels or less.
It says: “We think each year, individuals suffer because of loud fireworks. We believe horses, dogs, cats, livestock and wildlife can be terrified by noisy fireworks and many people find them intolerable.
“There is independent research suggesting over half of dog owners report fireworks-anxiety in their dog. There’s an 81% increase in missing dogs around Bonfire Night. Almost 25% of military veterans say fireworks have caused a negative experience for them.
“We think both humans and animals are less likely to be distressed by fireworks noise below 90dB.
“We believe lower noise levels would allow fireworks to be enjoyed while potentially reducing some of their many negative impacts.”
Now the government has responded, outlining that the law currently allows fireworks to be used up to 120dB, and that it has launched a campaign to encourage responsible firework use in time for Bonfire Night.
But it stopped short of promising any reduction in the noise level allowed in law or a ban on fireworks above 90dB.
It said: “The Government recognises that some people have strong feelings about fireworks and has been listening to concerns raised by members of the public regarding the impact of firework noise.
“The Government recognises that some people have strong feelings about fireworks, and the potential impact they can have on communities, for example, by causing disturbances to vulnerable individuals and groups or animals. However, we also know that fireworks, when used responsibly, are a source of enjoyment for many people.
“A number of animal welfare organisations, along with industry and local authorities, provide advice and guidance to enable people to minimise the negative impacts of fireworks on people, animals and our communities. We work closely with these organisations to amplify this messaging in the run up to, and during, key dates when fireworks are commonly used.
“Current regulations control their sale, availability, and use, including setting a maximum noise level of 120 decibels for consumer fireworks. Many retailers also offer ‘lower noise’ and ‘no bang’ fireworks which are available to purchase by consumers.
“To ensure people continue to use fireworks in a safe and considerate manner, the Government has launched a fireworks campaign for this fireworks season to provide guidance on minimising the impacts of fireworks on animal welfare and encouraging responsible use.
“Lower noise fireworks are promoted in the campaign alongside considerate use. This supplements existing guidance from Government and other organisations that is available to help people to use fireworks safely and appropriately.
“The campaign also includes new guidance for those running community fireworks events, and social media posts that emphasise the risks from the misuse of fireworks.”
