Ahead of Guy Fawkes Night, Dr Neil Hudson MP for Penrith and The Border, attended an event this week at the House of Commons, held by eleven charities united to highlight the need for a review of existing fireworks legislation and the harmful impact they have on animals and vulnerable people, and the potential for injury that arises due to the lack of regulation on sales.
Dogs Trust, Blue Cross, Battersea, British Veterinary Association, Cats Protection, Children’s Burns Trust, The Kennel Club, Combat Stress, PTSD UK, Dan’s Fund for Burns and Help for Heroes welcomed 37 MPs to the fireworks coalition event. They discussed how the law is failing to protect those affected by the unpredictable and loud noise of fireworks, and contributes to the unnecessary number of children, young people and adults injured every year by a firework, which is why they are calling on the UK Government to urgently review the current legislation.
Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and The Border, said:
“As the only vet in the House of Commons I feel it is my duty to make sure the public are aware of the annual terror felt by animals and their owners on Guy Fawkes Night and other firework nights. Pets such as dogs and cats often panic and become distressed and it can be detrimental to their health and they may even go missing. I know my own dogs get terribly frightened and for me as an animal lover, it's really heart-breaking to see.
"Furthermore, other animals in rural areas like ours, such as horses and cows, have their flight behaviours kick in, and I have witnessed first-hand as a vet the awful injuries that they can suffer as they flee.
"The distress caused to animals, their owners and the injuries to people, often children, that we see each year, is completely unnecessary. I have spoken in the House of Commons on this issue and I really hope we can bring a sensible and pragmatic change to legislation on fireworks."
The charities are calling the attention of the UK Government to conduct a review of existing fireworks legislation, and for change with a view to introduce further restrictions on where and when they can be used. Through better regulating the use of fireworks, the charities hope to limit the unnecessary distress and life-changing injuries that can be inflicted on so many people and animals during fireworks season, which often lasts many evenings around key events such as Guy Fawkes Night, Diwali and New Year's Eve.
With many council run fireworks displays across the UK being cancelled owing to the cost of holding the events, the charities are concerned that there may be a rise in people holding firework displays at home, with no restrictions on where the fireworks are let off, who handles the fireworks, or for how long the noise will last.
Paula Boyden, Veterinary Director at Dogs Trust, added:
“The unpredictable nature of the loud cracks and bangs of fireworks can be a terrifying ordeal for animals and people, and with fireworks often lasting many nights during the autumn, it can be terribly distressing for weeks on end.
“As charities, we can provide guidance to help people and animals cope with the noise, however we are asking the Government to play their part in reducing the unnecessary stress that fireworks season brings with it, to review the current legislation and make impactful changes to reduce the suffering for many.”
