Firework ban is needed – RSPCA

FIREWORKS should be banned for most nights of the year to reduce “fear and distress” caused to animals.

RSPCA Cymru wants to limit the use of fireworks to agreed dates – such as Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year and Diwali .

Fireworks regulation is due to be discussed by Members of Parliament today in a debate led by Clwyd South Labour MP Susan Elan Jones.

The UK parliamentary debate was triggered after a petition started by a member of public gained more than 100,000 signatures.

RSPCA companion animal welfare expert Lisa Hens said: “Fireworks can lead to serious welfare concerns for many animals, so we give a warm welcome to this important debate.

“Animals affected by fireworks not only suffer psychological distress but can also cause themselves injuries, sometimes very serious ones, as they attempt to run or hide from the noise.

“Ensuring these displays always fall on dates like Guy Fawkes Night, New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year and Diwali would be good news for animals.

“The RSPCA fully supports calls to restrict the display of fireworks by the general public to certain traditional dates in the calendar.

“We hope to see as many MPs as possible attending this important debate, and arguing in favour of animals by supporting changes to the laws currently regulating fireworks.”

Estimates suggest 45 percent of dogs in the UK show signs of fear and distress when they hear fireworks.

Under current laws fireworks displays can be held every day of the year.

Existing regulations forbid fireworks being used between 11pm and 7am, with some exceptions, and those with a noise level greater than 120 decibels cannot be sold to the public.

In Wales in 2017 the RSPCA received 18 calls over concerns with fireworks.