Every year, as the fireworks season approaches, a familiar dread fills my heart. The dazzling displays that captivate some, terrorise beloved pets and the precious wildlife in my neighbourhood. I have seen too many animals driven to panic, and even death, as a result of the explosive noises that reverberate for weeks. It's time for a change.

Fireworks are a deeply ingrained tradition in our culture, celebrated for their spectacle. However, the collateral damage on both domestic animals and wildlife cannot be overstated. According to studies, loud noises can cause significant stress in animals, leading to injuries, disorientation, and in severe cases, death. Birds abandon their nests, small mammals flee their shelters risking roads and predators, and our pets cower in fear in their own homes.

We propose a ban on the sale of all fireworks except for silent ones, and restricting their use to organised displays only. Silent fireworks provide a compromise; capturing the visual splendour without the auditory assault. In Italy, this shift has already taken root, with Collecchio, a small town in the Emilia-Romagna region, requiring silent fireworks to reduce the noise impact on animals.

By implementing and supporting such measures, we can spark a shift towards more responsible celebrations that respect all living creatures. Let us appeal to our local government to reform current regulations, promote public awareness, and encourage the transition to silent fireworks. Our ecosystem depends on action now.

Please join me in advocating for this cause. Sign the petition to champion the protection of our cherished wildlife and beloved pets from the unnecessary harm caused by traditional fireworks. Together, we can light the path to a more considerate and inclusive form of celebration.