Fireworks

Ban public sale of fireworks

We believe a regulated ban on the public sale and release of F2 and F3 category fireworks (the ones which cause noise and distress) would be the simplest way of ensuring the welfare of the animal population - whether wild, farmed or companion.

Instead, we want to promote alternative light displays that are safe, environmentally friendly and quiet.

Why?

It is a well-known fact that fireworks cause deep distress to animals multiple times a year. Setting off what is essentially a series of explosives, as well as usually a large bonfire nearby, can without warning cause untold physical, mental and emotional trauma to any animals within sight or earshot of them. So why haven’t we done anything about it? For the ‘ooh’s and ‘aah’s?

The story of Derry, who died from a catastrophic seizure induced by fireworks on 5th Nov 2022.

In the 21st century, there are various quiet or even silent alternatives to fireworks which produce beautiful displays without causing wildlife, farmed animals and companion animals to run away, injure themselves through stress or even die of shock.

Tallulah, collapsed in shock due to fireworks, 1st Jan 2023.

What are the animal-friendly alternatives to fireworks?

  • Laser light shows set to music

  • Eco-friendly glowsticks

  • Natural confetti displays

  • A safely lit campfire

  • Lightshow using your home projector

    Get creative! And let your animals enjoy the show too!

For those with companion or farmed animals, here are a few tips on how you can help them:

  • First and foremost, there is no substitute for consulting a veterinarian. They will be able to advise across the widest range of queries to keep your animal safe and calm.

  • Keep pets indoors, the noise and lights can be terrifying for them.

  • If your pet is shaking wrap it in a towel and encourage, but don’t force it, to where it feels safe in the house, this will often be where it generally sleeps.

New legislation in Scotland

In 2022, the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act was passed. This included measures like a ban of the public sale of fireworks to under-18s as well as narrowing the window of time when the release of fireworks is permitted to between 6pm and 11pm except on 5th November when it’s extended to midnight and Hogmanay, Lunar New Year and Diwali when it’s extended to 1am.

As of summer 2023, Scottish Local Authorities have additional powers to designated “Firework Control Zones”, in which it is a criminal offence for a member of the public to ignite a firework, including on private property. Public firework displays will continue to be permitted within a Firework Control Zone, if properly organised by a professional or community group.

What you can do to help the campaign

Donate towards the campaign. All donations we receive go into covering the core costs of campaigning - and the more donations we receive, the more we can do!

Sign our petition calling on all major UK supermarket chains to not stock fireworks this year. For the safety of our animals and vulnerable people, urge them to take a stance and commit to keeping fireworks off their shelves. Some are already doing this.

Instead of a fireworks display, consider supporting your local animal shelter.

If you live in Scotland, write to your local council and urge them to designate Firework Control Zones as quickly as possible. For suggested wording and a list of contacts click here.

Write to your MP and get them to convince the UK Government to finally act on this issue. See suggested wording below.

Click here to find yours and their contact details.

Dear                      ,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the public sale and unregulated use of fireworks in Britain and request a meeting to discuss what can and must be done after years of fruitless debate around this issue.

The arguments against unregulated fireworks displays are well rehearsed and well known, particularly by owners of animals. They have become a pervasive source of distress and danger, leading to a significant increase in incidents related to personal injuries, property damage and alarming levels of noise pollution. Every year, during various celebrations, we witness numerous instances of firework-related accidents and as was the case in Dundee in November last year, we saw fireworks being used as weapons against the Police.

Even more so, we have all heard the stories of companion animals suffering from stress and trauma due to the explosions, sometimes leading to them running away from home, having seizures and even dying from the terror – to the heartbreak of their families. Farmed and wild animals, too, are at risk of being terrorised for the sake of our amusement.

I recommend you read this article written by Dr Kendra Coulter, a leading expert on animals and work, animal protection organisations and policy – also a fellow of the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics and Member of the City of London’s Animal Welfare Advisory Committee. She explains the precise risks of fireworks on wildlife and pets and the bizarre tradition of celebrating with methods which are known to cause serious and sometimes fatal harm.

In previous House of Commons debates on this issue, there have also been cited concerns around the effects of fireworks on people with autism, PTSD, other sensory-triggered mental health issues, newborn babies as well as the proven problem of anti-social behaviour. Rachael Maskell, MP for York Central, even had to dodge a firework herself while out riding her bicycle in order to evade injury!

Every year this issue is debated, showing significant support from MPs for a public sale ban. Yet every year, nothing changes. Animal welfare organisations such as Animal Concern, with whom I met recently, have campaigned for years on this and amassed much public support, but with little to no government action taken. Last year’s Fireworks & Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act brought in small changes – illegalising the sale of fireworks to under 18-year-olds, narrowing the hours during which it is permissible to release fireworks except on particular days in the calendar, as well as the granting of power to local authorities to designate control zones.  This simply does not go far enough in giving reassurance to animal owners and vulnerable people that they will be safe.

The Government must be convinced to take action against this threat to public safety and explore a strategy for effecting meaningful change as quickly as possible. This may include studying the framework adopted in Australia, where it is already illegal to buy, possess or discharge fireworks unless a licence is held, with all displays having to be registered in advance with the local authorities. It will be useful to understand the challenges they faced during their transition to this legislation and tailor the approach to suit the needs of Britain.

Thank you for your attention to this critical issue. I look forward to discussing this matter further and working together for the safety of our animals and vulnerable members of society. 

Yours sincerely,