Loud fireworks ‘feel like World War III’ for animals say campaigners

It iz heartbreaking for me to see the distress caused to so many animals by fireworks.At the RSPCA, we sadly see videos and images of animals struggling to cope during fireworks and through an incident reporting system launched in 2021 we have received more than 11,000 responses from members of the public describing the negative impacts of fireworks on their animals.We believe the law is failing as it does not prevent or sufficiently reduce the risk of fireworks causing distress, injury or anxiety to people, and death, injury or distress to animals.As part of our Bang Out Of Order campaign, the RSPCA continues to call for the UK Government to introduce tighter controls and regulations around the sale and use of fireworks in a bid to help both animals and people who suffer with fireworks phobias and noise aversion.We know there is a lot of support for change and we welcome those who are doing their bit on a local level, like many councils and supermarkets – but we want even more things to change.We want to restrict the private use of fireworks to on or around traditional dates (i.e. Guy Fawkes Night, New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year and Diwali) and we want the maximum permitted noise level of fireworks for public sale reduced to 90 decibels.Setting the limit at 90dB would be consistent with the approach in some other countries and would encourage manufacturers to design and produce quieter fireworks.The RSPCA believe all public fireworks displays need to be licensed by the relevant licensing authority.Information about the proposed display must be provided in the local area several weeks in advance with a process for local residents to appeal against the granting of the licence.This process should also apply to people seeking to hold private displays at special events such as weddings. We would also like to see fireworks labelled as ‘loud’ or ‘low noise’ to allow consumers to make an informed decision.Pets, horses and livestock can be frightened by loud bangs and bright flashes of light, putting them at risk of injuring themselves on fencing, farm equipment or fixtures and fittings within their housing.Wildlife can also be seriously impacted by bonfires and fireworks.Wild animals, like hedgehogs, are at risk of being burnt alive after making their homes inside bonfires and piles of leaves, while some birds will flee their nests or whole colonies can disappear due to noise disturbance.We need the public to make their voice heard to help us secure these changes. To support the RSPCA Bang Out Of Order campaign, visit our website where you can send a letter to your council asking them for changes and lobby the UK Government.The RSPCA website also has tips. We encourage anyone with concerns for their animals to speak with their vet for advice.