My dog suffers badly because of fireworks. When they go off, he pants, his heart races, and he tries to find a place to hide while uncontrollably shaking. It's heartbreaking to watch him endure such distress. After sharing my concerns on Facebook, I'm not alone in this concern. Many people shared their experiences about the suffering caused by fireworks – not just to pets, but to veterans, wildlife, individuals with mental health challenges, people with dementia, and countless other vulnerable groups.

In the UK, the misuse of fireworks is a widespread concern. In 2020 alone, the NHS recorded over 2,000 cases of injuries related to fireworks. Beyond physical harm, the loud and unexpected noises contribute to immense psychological distress for many. Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, has reported a significant increase in inquiries around firework events due to distress in pets.

The sporadic and unregulated use of fireworks is a threat to public safety and well-being. For the safety of our community and the welfare of animals and people, fireworks should be confined to authorised public events on the 5th of November, when the public expects and can prepare for them. This will allow necessary precautions to be taken, such as planning for pets' care and ensuring vulnerable individuals have support.

Firework-related disturbances beyond this day should be met with strict enforcement and penalties. Moreover, any authorised events should use silent or low-noise fireworks, which can drastically reduce distress while maintaining the celebration of the day.

Let's make a change for the betterment of our communities and the vulnerable beings within them. Sign this petition to support the restriction of fireworks use to authorised events on the 5th of November.