If l had my way fireworks would only be sold to those organising large, licenced public displays, and not carried by supermarkets and shops.
Though l have a feeling the cost of living crisis this year will impact sales. I mean, talk about money going up in smoke??!!
As a pet owner l hate the things and am pleased to see that Bath & North East Somerset Council is highlighting the RSPCA’s concerns about the effect of fireworks on animals and is raising awareness of its campaign #BangOutOfOrder, which aims to minimise the effects of fireworks on animal welfare.
Unpredictable, loud noises can cause fear and distress to animals and debris from fireworks can also pose a hazard to horses and livestock when left on the ground.
Fireworks can also affect older people, children with autism and people with conditions such as PTSD.
The council passed a motion in 2021 that recommends that all public firework displays within the area are advertised in advance so that people can take precautions for themselves and their animals.
As a result of the motion, the council is raising awareness of the impact of fireworks on animals and people and is asking residents to choose less noisy fireworks when buying ahead of Bonfire Night.
The council also resolved to write to the Local Government Association to lobby for a limit to the maximum noise level of fireworks to 90dB for those sold to the public for private displays.
The council’s trading standards team is also advising retailers of the risks by sharing information when they inspect premises that sell fireworks.
Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for Planning and Licensing, said: “We are not trying to spoil anyone’s fun, but the fear and distress that fireworks can cause for people and animals is a significant concern. The RSPCA believes there is a real need to raise awareness among owners of animals about phobia of fireworks and as a council we wholeheartedly support this. We are also pressing the Government to better regulate fireworks by limiting the noise level for those used in public displays to 90dB.
“It’s also not to be underestimated how much anxiety fireworks can cause for vulnerable people in our community who are sensitive to loud and unexpected sounds. If you are buying fireworks, please consider the type that are designed to be less noisy.”
You can read more about the council’s advice on fireworks here
More information on pets and fireworks can be found on the RSPCA website here.
I do feel the days of bangs and bonfires are numbered as drone shows – once they become more economical – will take over.
The noise limitation on bigger fireworks sounds great. Some of these shells that detonate over the houses where I live are enough to trigger car alarms and cause birds to fly in a terror and panic into buildings. A small bonfire and low fizzy fireworks would be a good step towards ending the impact of this celebration on our environment.
Perhaps all that’s required is a law prohibiting the use of fireworks by the general public other than on November 5th. Then, if there does need to be a display on a day other than that, the local magistrate could give appropriate dispensation.
I don’t think drones will ever be able to replicate their audible sensation or visual impact, just as electric cars will never replace the audible and tangible exhilaration of the internal combustion engine.
Fireworks should never be allowed to be sold to the general public that sound like large artillery shells going off – I have literally felt the vibrations in the air from a considerable distance from the source of the ‘explosion’ – totally anti-social.