Dear Constituent,
Thank you for your email regarding fireworks and their impact on animals and the wider community. I appreciate you sharing the RSPCA briefing and the findings from the Social Market Foundation.
I recognise that while many people enjoy fireworks as part of seasonal celebrations, others find them distressing. The unpredictability of private displays can be particularly challenging for those with noise-sensitive animals, and I was concerned to read of the incidents reported in the RSPCA’s impact survey, including injuries sustained by individuals trying to comfort frightened pets. These accounts highlight the need for ongoing scrutiny of how fireworks are used and regulated.
I support the considerate use of fireworks and believe the framework underpinning their use must strike the right balance between allowing individuals to celebrate while reducing risks and disturbances to people, animals and property. I take the issues around the sale and use of fireworks seriously and understand the concerns raised by animal welfare organisations and members of the public.
To reduce disturbance, there is currently a noise level limit of 120 decibels for fireworks intended for home use. The Animal Welfare Act 2006 makes it an offence to cause unnecessary suffering to animals through the misuse of fireworks, with penalties of up to five years’ imprisonment. Fireworks should not be set off near livestock, buildings housing animals, or horses in fields, and those planning displays in rural areas are encouraged to notify neighbouring farmers.
Regulations allow the general public to buy and use certain categories of fireworks for family use and private displays. These are classified as F2 and F3 and are available for sale to people aged 18 and over. All fireworks sold to the public must comply with essential safety requirements set out in UK law. Fireworks for professionally organised displays, classified as F4, are only available to individuals who have completed accredited training and hold appropriate insurance.
Retailers are restricted to selling consumer fireworks during specific seasonal periods such as Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year and Diwali. Outside these windows, a licence from the local authority is required. Curfew regulations also prevent the use of fireworks between 11pm and 7am, except on designated celebration nights. Excessive noise or fireworks used during curfew hours may be considered a statutory nuisance, and local authorities have powers to investigate and act where appropriate.
Police can issue penalty notices to individuals aged 16 and over for offences such as throwing fireworks, possession of display-only fireworks, possession of adult fireworks by someone under 18, and breach of the fireworks curfew.
I understand that the current Government is engaging with businesses, consumer groups and charities to gather evidence on the impact of fireworks. I welcome efforts to build a robust understanding of how fireworks are used and experienced, and I will follow any developments closely. I note your suggestions regarding drone displays, quiet fireworks, and designated firework-free zones, and I agree that local authorities have an important role to play in exploring and implementing alternatives.
Finally, the previous Conservative Government published a statutory Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs, which advises owners to avoid exercising dogs during times when fireworks may be let off. They also worked with animal welfare groups in previous fireworks seasons to promote safe and considerate use.
Thank you again for taking the time to write to me
Sincerely,
