03 November 2023 , 13:00
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Pet owners across the UK are preparing their furry friends for Bonfire Night this weekend - and we asked Mirror readers what they thought of the firework displays.
The RSPCA found that 69 percent of Brits take at least one measure to help their pet relax ahead of the explosive season, which includes playing classical music. Studies have shown that 45 percent of dogs - that’s around 5.5 million in the UK - show signs of fear when they hear fireworks.
Dogs can hear twice as frequencies than humans, which means firework spectacles are much louder for them. In some cases, their reaction to the noise and flashes can cause an injury, and sometimes lead to death. Between October and January 2021, the RSPCA received 11,785 reports of animals in distress due to fireworks.
Around 68 percent of reports were animals impacted by private at-home backyard displays, which makes it “impossible for neighbours to prepare their pets, horses and livestock properly”. We asked Mirror readers if they think fireworks should be banned for the safety and wellbeing of our pets - and 87 percent said ‘Yes - they should be banned’.
Around 1,055 people took part in our poll, and a hefty 912 believe they should be prohibited. Voicing their opinions in the comments section, one reader wrote: “Yes ban fireworks they are a waste of money, last a minute, smell bad and not only scare animals but also a lot of people too...I've never liked them anyway.”
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Another shared: “Should be banned full stop. For the sake of dogs & all wildlife & PTSD sufferers. They also pollute the environment and air. And in the wrong hands cause terrible injuries. Nothing good about them. I don't know why we celebrate Guy Fawkes night anyway . The fact that he FAILED at blowing up parliament isn't something to celebrate.”
A third penned: “Yes ban the fireworks, my poor dog wees herself and shakes,” while a fourth wrote: “Yes they definitely should be banned as my cat is always scared when they go off but I don't understand why people buy fireworks as they aren't fun and very loud and a waste of money.”
Many expressed their support for licensed displays, but said the sale of fireworks should be completely banned to the public. Under the current law, adults over 18 can buy fireworks from registered sellers for private use from October 15 to November 10. You can also purchase them from 26 to 31 December and three days before Diwali and Chinese New Year. At other times you can only buy fireworks from licensed shops.
In the comments section, one reader stated: “Yes very much so for animals, but humans too. A great many people don't like them. The sale of fireworks should be completely banned and only official licensed displays be allowed. Fireworks are used a weapons, and even when not people are injured by them every year. Fireworks cause pollution and when it goes on night after night it's just awful.”
A second agreed: “I fully support firework displays, but feel fireworks should not be sold generally. In the wrong hands it can be dangerous and disruptive. Our JR is a rescue dog, before we moved to our present home,we lived close to other houses and there were fireworks being let off every night for two weeks, she was terrified, now we live miles from anyone and she doesn't suffer from it.”
Another wrote: “Sales to be general public should be banned. Fireworks are set off in back gardens (and the street, the park, at bus stops and such) randomly by people who do not always handle them wisely and, indeed, actually weaponise them. We've all seen the reports of emergency services being targeted, not to mention ordinary individuals being assaulted. Putting explosive devices happily into the hands of children or aggressive people should be ceased.”
Meanwhile, nine percent voted for ‘No - they shouldn't be banned’ in our poll, as one reader wrote: “No, it's up to pet owners to introduce them to sounds and noises, so they are not alarmed when it happens. It's not difficult, but people choose not to and can't be bothered, then moan the pet is scared.”
A second wrote: “So don’t ban fireworks. 5th November, bonfire night has always been looked forward to by children - almost as much as Christmas! Part of our historic culture! It’s down to their owners to keep them away from the noise.”
“Nope. It’s a joint responsibility, pet owners and those wishing to let off fireworks. Nobody’s individual rights are more important than another’s. We live in a community made up of individuals; tolerance and respect is always better than heavy handed selfishness,” noted a third.
Only four percent voted for ‘Other’ in our poll, with one reader suggesting ‘silent fireworks’ should be introduced. “A few years ago I joined a campaign to introduce silent fireworks because everyone loves the spectacular visual display of a firework but not the noise it makes! Perhaps this is something that needs further development??,” they shared.
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You can still vote in the poll to have your say on whether fireworks should be banned. .