The loudest fireworks are set to be banned outside of professional displays as part of a "common sense" law change announced by the UK government. The move follows years of campaigning by charities, animal welfare groups, and emergency services due to the distress caused by loud bangs.
Minister Cites Personal Experience and Public Concerns
Kate Dearden, Minister for Consumer Protection, told The Mirror: "It's something that's been brought up time and time again since I've been elected, nuisance fireworks are raised with me throughout the year. It impacts peoples' sleep, their kids, their pets and it's constant. It can have a real impact on people and their dogs' lives, I've got personal experience with my lovely dog Bruno, just a couple of weeks ago there were fireworks going off at 1am and it terrified him." She stressed that the government has no plans to restrict public displays.
Ms Dearden said: "I love a good firework display, but what I don't want is when they're going off constantly and causing distress. It's growing in terms of our case work. That's why we're looking to limit the sale of loud fireworks only to these displays, and take them out of the hands of those who use them irresponsibly. This will crack down on anti-social behaviour and protect Britain's pets." She added: "Extremely loud fireworks in streets and gardens at all hours of the day and night have become a nightmare."
Consultation to Be Launched
A consultation will be launched on Thursday proposing that the loudest fireworks can only be used at professional displays, which would be allowed to continue as normal. The Department for Business and Trade has branded the measures common-sense proposals. The review will also include reviewing what pyrotechnics are banned and updating guidelines on what fireworks are considered lower risk. It said the proposals aim to address public concerns about noise and antisocial behaviour, while protecting organised displays.
Animal Welfare Groups Welcome the Move
Owen Sharp, chief executive of the Dogs Trust, said: "Every year millions of dogs, and the people who care for them, are affected by fireworks. Bonfire Night can be a particularly distressing time for pets, so we welcome the Government's consultation on pyrotechnics and fireworks." He said the trust's research found almost half of UK dogs are affected by fireworks, while many owners are distressed seeing their pets frightened and anxious.
Helen Whitelegg, campaigns manager for Redwings Horse Sanctuary, said: "Having campaigned for improved fireworks regulations after tragically losing three of our own rescued horses due to loud fireworks, Redwings knows the scale of distress, suffering and risk to life that fireworks cause every year, not only to horses, but to the people around them. In our survey of more than 5,000 UK horse owners, over 95% told us they wanted to see tighter fireworks regulations, with loud bangs cited as the most significant risk factor. We therefore warmly welcome the news today that the Government will be consulting with the public on this issue and would encourage animal lovers everywhere to participate and have their say on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves."
Veterans' Groups Also Support Restrictions
The government has also been told that the sound of fireworks is harrowing for veterans. Chloe Mackay, who heads campaign group Combat Stress, said: "Fireworks can be triggering for veterans. The sudden loud noises, unexpected flashes and the smell of lingering smoke can bring back painful and traumatic memories of combat. It's no surprise that we see a higher rate of distress in veterans accessing our services during firework season. Tighter restrictions on how and when fireworks can be used would go a huge way to limiting the distress of those affected, allowing them to better plan and prepare strategies in order to cope."
Previous Calls for Action
Last year Labour MP Sarah Owen, who put forward a bill calling for similar restrictions, told The Mirror: "I get really frustrated, every year we have the same discussion, we know what's wrong... Other MPs have shown me some horrific videos of fireworks being used as weapons. We hear of cases where people have houses burned down. Fireworks impact people with PTSD, children with SEND and people with pets."
