A new Facebook page, Guernsey Fireworks Reform, has been created as what it said was part of a community-led campaign calling for change to reduce the impacts of fireworks on animals and people.
‘For animals, the unpredictable noise of fireworks can cause extreme distress, panic, injury, and in some cases, death. Horses and livestock can bolt, injure themselves and escape from fields, while domestic pets and wildlife are also affected,’ the group said in a post.
‘For people, fireworks can create significant difficulties for those living with PTSD, sensory sensitivities, anxiety, certain health conditions or other vulnerabilities.
‘There are also wider concerns around fire hazards, injuries, noise disturbance and damage to private property.’
Members of the group said it was too early to speak to the Guernsey Press, but it has stated that it wants to end the sale of fireworks to the general public, prohibit private firework displays, permit professionally operated, licensed public displays on one designated night each year, introduce appropriate licensing, safety insurance and operational requirements for authorised displays, establish effective measures to prevent unlawful sale of fireworks and explore quieter alternatives such as drone shows.
The page has gained a lot of attention less than a week from the original post.
The GSPCA is also trying to build a better understanding of how fireworks affect animals with a new survey.
Following a busy firework season which saw more than 50 registered firework events take place across the islands, the GSPCA said it received a wide range of reports involving animals.
‘We are not looking to tell people what their views should be,’ said manager Steve Byrne. ‘Instead, we want to gather as much information as possible so we can better understand the scale and nature of any impacts on animals across Guernsey.’
It has launched a survey and wants to hear all reports of animal-related incidents caused by fireworks.
You need to be logged in to comment.