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 animals, here are a few tips on how you can help them:
First and foremost, there is no substitute for consulting a vet. 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. Consider shutting windows, playing music etc to drown out the noise.
If your animal is shaking wrap them in a towel and encourage, but don’t force, them to go where it feels safe in the house, this will often be where they generally sleep.
Stay calm yourself, even though this can be difficult, pets often take emotional cues from their owners.
Make sure you take your dog for their evening walk early before fireworks displays begin.
Cover cages and hutches to help soundproof them, if you have a small animal living outside in a garden, it’s a good idea to bring them inside for the night.
Keep horses in stables to stop them from running away.
New legislation in Scotland
In 2022, the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act was passed. This included measures like prohibiting sales 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.
In addition, local authorities have powers to designate “Firework Control Zones”, areas where 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.
The 2022 Act also approved a licensing system, allowing councils to require residents to obtain a permit to use fireworks, effectively banning public sale in that area. But that scheme has been put on pause, the Scottish government complaining about the cost and complexity of issuing said licenses. To that we say - simply not good enough. We will be working with local authorities and lobbying politicians to ensure the licensing scheme is rolled out as promised, as soon as possible.
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, MSPs and local council to urge them to take action.
Click here to find your MP.
Click here to find your MSPs.
Instead of providing a generic template, which is more likely to be ignored, we have some tips for you below;
Provide personal evidence – Explain how fireworks have impacted you, your family, companion animals, local wildlife and farmed animals, and vulnerable community members. Personal experiences make the issue real and urgent.
Attach supporting media – Attach images or videos to illustrate the problem clearly. This could include, for example, images of property damage, or videos of terrified companion animals.
Demand for a clear timeline – Ask councils to advocate for stronger legislation and for governments to set a concrete timeline for
a) fully implementing the licensing scheme in Scotland.
b) introducing stronger firework legislation throughout the UK.
Push for updates and accountability – Request regular updates on what actions have been taken following meetings and correspondence.