Dear Constituent,
Thank you for your email regarding fireworks and their impact on pets and other animals.
While I appreciate that many pets – and indeed some people – can be distressed by fireworks, I recognise that the majority of people who use fireworks do so in a responsible and safe manner. I support the considerate use of fireworks and believe that the existing framework strikes the right balance between allowing people to enjoy fireworks and reducing the risks and disturbances to people, animals and property. That said, the December debate in Westminster Hall on the issue did highlight a number of possible limitations with existing regulation and there certainly seems to be an appetite to look at the current rules in place.
These issues will be debated and voted on as part of a Private Members Fireworks Bill, which is due to come back for its Second Reading in the House of Commons this year.
There are already a number safeguards and limits in place on firework use; to reduce disturbance to both animals and people, there is a noise level limit of 120 decibels on fireworks for home use – although I appreciate some animal welfare charities want to see this limit reduced further. The Animal Welfare Act 2006 makes it an offence to cause unnecessary suffering to animals through the misuse of fireworks. They should not be set off near livestock or close to buildings that house livestock, or near to horses in fields. Anyone planning a firework display in rural areas should warn neighbouring farmers.
Further, retailers are restricted to selling consumer fireworks during a limited period around specific seasonal celebrations, and retailers may only supply fireworks outside these periods if they obtain a licence from their local licensing authority. Fireworks used for professionally organised displays are only available for sale to people who have undertaken an accredited course of training in pyrotechnics. Enforcement powers exist for local authorities to take action when fireworks are unsafe, sold illegally or misused. Local authorities and the police also have powers to tackle anti-social behaviour caused by the misuse of fireworks.
The Private Members Bill seeks to further restrict the use of fireworks and ban the loudest types, introducing a maximum limit of 90 decibels. I will listen carefully to the arguments made during the debate and will keep your comments and the RSPCA’s recommendations in mind.
Thank you again for taking the time to write to me.
Sincerely,
