In 2019 change was asked for in the sale of fireworks. Sainsbury’s were the supermarket that backed this and stopped the sale of fireworks however, other supermarkets refused.

Whilst people state “it’s about making memories” let’s just pause for a moment and think about the impact that fireworks have on animals. Animals that are part of our family. Fireworks are traumatic to our pets and I myself am not bothered about fireworks. What means more is what fireworks do to our pets. That’s dogs, cats, horses, our small furries. 

This is a little example from myself. A while back I was looking after the new family pup and she was small at the time and could fit anywhere. One night there was a gathering on the park near my partners house and they were setting off fireworks and big ones. The other two dogs who were in the garden were going mental so while I was outside letting them in our poor little pup ran and hid behind the couch. I brought the other two in and I went in to the living room and I couldn’t find her. I was used to her being sat at the baby gate waiting and I panicked. Looked all around the house and still couldn’t find her so I rang my partner and told her I’d lost the pup. Not the wisest move but eventually I looked behind the couch and just saw a little brown backside. I moved everything from behind the couch and pulled her out and held her. Needles to say the poor little dog was petrified. 

Secondly, let’s also think about the impact that fireworks also have on veterans who suffer from PTSD. A few years back I highlighted this and I had someone who worked for a armed forces charity try to incorrect me by saying “i work for a armed forces charity and i assure you that fireworks do not have a impact”. Each year fireworks seem to get louder and louder. The crackles and the bangs all simulate gunfire, bombs and missiles which trigger PTSD. Flashbacks occur from war zones and it’s not a nice place to be for any ex armed forces personnel. Now think of the homeless veterans that are sleeping on the streets. Nowhere to call home. The only thanks they’ve got is a sleeping bag in a door way. There is no place of safety and somewhere to take shelter when loud fire works are popping and banging. 

People with autism that suffer with sensory issues are also affected by the loud noises and bangs 

Also our elderly are also affected by the loud bangs which can aid the start of heart attacks. The increased risks of a stroke caused by the stress from the loud bangs  

Whilst some may say “it’s just one day a year” that’s where they are wrong. It’s the nights leading up to bonfire night and after and not forgetting new year.

And lastly I would like this change to also target the youths who for years have found it amusing to start fires and then attack emergency workers the police, fire and ambulance with fireworks all because they think it is fun.

Today I ask for change. What matters more is the lives of our pets, veterans and emergency service workers and i ask each and every person to help me in this process. It is strongly urged that decisive action is taken to ban the sale of fireworks and prosecute those found to be selling them illegally in the years to come. Whilst fireworks may seem pretty to look at they’re not so pretty for others. Organized displays are 1. Safer and 2. Another way to make memories when some contain fun fairs. 

Most organized firework displays also present fun fairs. A perfect and a more safer way to make memories. 

2022/23 statistics

101 people victims of firework related fires. 

550 children under the age of 16 taken to A&E in the four weeks around bonfire night 

The majority of injuries occur at private of family displays. Some fireworks aren’t manufactured correctly causing them to explode outwards towards people and in a confined space such as your own back garden can be dangerous.