Firework laws not strict enough – survey majority
MORE than four out of five people who responded to a fireworks survey hosted by the GSPCA, have said that local firework laws are not strict enough.
The survey generated responses from 2,212 people, with more than 81% staying laws should be tougher. 11.6% said that the severity of the rules were about right, while a small percentage said they were too strict.
Almost 90% of the respondents were pet owners.
‘More than 1,100 people said that their pets suffered because of the fireworks, and 1,184 people left comments and feedback,’ said GSPCA manager Steve Byrne.
‘People have said that their dogs are distressed, horses were left terrified, sweaty and panicking, that fireworks events go on for too many days, and their pets are left shaking, hiding stressed and confused.’
With the GSPCA being centrally positioned in the island, the animal welfare charity also has to take precautions to protect its animals ahead of bonfire night and other events or holidays involving fireworks.
‘This year our stray cats on the top floor were quite affected, the worst one being a blind cat, who relies a lot on hearing,’ said Mr Byrne.
‘Despite using all sorts of devices and sprays and trying to protect them as much as we can, there were some very, very loud fireworks.’
The States has a firework notification system, but only half of people completing the survey were aware of it.
With the results of the survey in, some deputies are already interested in finding out results and hearing from the public.
‘The survey demonstrates that there are extreme concerns from pet owners where animals are being caused undue distress, and we have animal welfare legislation which is supposed to prevent suffering,’ said Mr Byrne.
‘Something a lot of people have been saying is to only have public events.
‘The number of fireworks displays this year was far greater than it has been for several years. Last year Storm Ciaran had a huge impact and a lot of events were cancelled and some people keeping those fireworks until this year. We have certainly seen that the number of days of fireworks has increased.
‘There’s the animal welfare issue, but also the littering issue. You’re not allowed to drop a cigarette on the pavement, but you can shoot fireworks into the air which has all sorts of plastics and other materials in which litters our island and sea, putting animals at risk.’
In the survey people have suggested ways of improving matters, so islanders can still enjoy events involving fireworks, while being mindful of animals and people who may have PTSD or anxiety, which the survey revealed.
Drone and light shows were highlighted and quieter fireworks are on sale, but these would not resolve the littering aspect.
