P.A.W.S.S

Fireworks: call for change

The Scottish SPCA is calling on its supporters to write to their MSP and MP and back the Society's proposals for a change on the sale of fireworks and their unlicensed use in public.

Last year we wrote to every MSP, Scottish MP, council leader, chief constable and chief fire officer calling for a radical change to current fireworks laws. The response was varied, with many expressing sympathy and support.

At present, fireworks can be used in public on any day of the year between the hours of 7am and 11pm, with the laws further relaxed around major occasions such as 5 November, New Year's Eve, Chinese New Year and the Hindu festival of Diwali.

Scottish SPCA Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said, "I cannot stress enough that we're not saying fireworks should be banned, we're just asking that a more responsible approach to the welfare of the nation's animals is taken.

"If there was a clear indication on specific days that it's legal to use fireworks then animal owners would happily take the appropriate action to safeguard their pets.

"This can be as simple as making sure their animals are kept indoors during these times with sufficient background noise to prevent damage to their hearing from the loudest fireworks. People can forget that a dog's hearing is twice as sensitive as a human's and a cat's is three times as sensitive.

"As it stands, there is such a large window for using fireworks that people cannot possibly make adequate provisions for their pets out with the major occasions. We receive calls from worried pet owners as early as June most years and they continue right through until December."

In addition to changing the law on when fireworks can be used, the Scottish SPCA is pushing for changes on when they can be sold. At present, fireworks can be sold from 15 October to 10 November, from 26 to 31 December and on the days of Chinese New Year and Diwali and the three preceding days.

We are advocating that fireworks should only be on sale to the public one week before 5 November and not at all afterwards, with the current regulations pertaining to New Year's Eve, Chinese New Year and Diwali continuing as normal.

Chief Supt. Flynn added, "Clearly our primary concern is the safety and wellbeing of domestic and wild animals, but we believe these proposals would also have a real human benefit and assist the emergency services, particularly around the ever challenging month of November."

During the fireworks season we recommend that:

• All pets should be kept indoors after dark, including animals in outdoor hutches.
• Curtains should be closed and televisions and radios left on to mask the sounds of fireworks.
• Anyone planning a display, particularly in rural areas, should warn their neighbours in advance.
• Bonfires should be checked for signs of hibernating hedgehogs.
• Telephone our Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999 if you know of animals suffering due to fireworks.

Scottish SPCA posters highlighting the dangers fireworks pose to animals are available to be displayed in local communities. Please email to be sent copies.