People across Gedling borough have been backing a new campaign calling on the Government to reduce the maximum volume of consumer fireworks from 120 to 90 decibels.
The Fireworks Impact Coalition, made up of 19 animal and people-focussed charities – are calling for tighter fireworks regulation to help reduce burn injuries, animal distress and mental health impacts.
The coalition want to highlight the distressing effect on household pets and wildlife, the mental health impacts on individuals with conditions like PTSD and the shocking frequency of adults and children suffering burns from fireworks.
A petition set up by campaigners has now been surpassed the 100,000 signatures required to trigger a potential debate in Parliament, with 431 of those signing based in the borough.
Redwings Horse Sanctuary is one of the animal charities involved in the campaign.
Helen Whitelegg, Redwings’ campaigns and policy manager, said: “A lot of MPs who said they would be keen to support a parliamentary debate on the topic. At this time, we’re waiting to hear whether the Government will hold a debate following the level of support our petition has attracted.
“Once a UK Government and Parliament petition surpasses 100,000 signatures this must be considered, and the petition calling for better regulation of fireworks that have far exceeded the 100,000 signature threshold.
“There have been so many tragedies involving fireworks shared on social media and covered in the mainstream news over the past two weeks.
“A two-year-old horse suffered a broken leg and had to be put to sleep after a large firework display near their home in West Sussex. On Friday we spoke with an owner whose horse hit their head after being spooked by fireworks and x-rays have shown she has a broken jaw. Lucy isn’t out of the woods yet and is facing eight weeks of soft food every few hours and continued veterinary support that will lead to significant cost.
“These are just some of the incidents involving horses that have happened this year, that we know about, as well as many devastating incidents involving dogs and other animals. Children and adults have also been badly injured. Fireworks have been thrown at police.
“A bland response from Government to these calls for change won’t be acceptable now. People want and need more effective restrictions on the use of fireworks in the UK, for people, animals and the environment.”
You can sign the petition HERE
