Animals: Fireworks
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to support the (a) health and (b) welfare of (i) pets and (ii) wild animals during fireworks season in Aylesbury constituency.
Answered by Mary Creagh
Existing fireworks legislation controls the sale, availability, and use of fireworks. There is an 11pm curfew in place for the use of fireworks, with later exceptions only for the traditional firework periods. Using fireworks outside the curfew hours is a criminal offence.
Users of fireworks should be aware of animals in the neighbouring area and use them responsibly. As a matter of best practice, those organising displays should give neighbouring owners advance notice and ensure that fireworks are not set off near livestock or horses in fields, or close to buildings that house livestock.
Government officials have been working with Combat Stress, Help for Heroes and the Dogs Trust to share information about safe and considerate use of fireworks. The Government has recently launched an awareness campaign on the Gov.uk website to provide guidance on minimising the impacts of fireworks on people and animals.
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