Bonfire Night isn’t even here yet, but for the past week, my little chihuahua has been absolutely petrified by the sound of fireworks. It got so severe that he began having seizures. On Thursday, 30th October, his seizures began and didn’t stop, forcing me to make the heartbreaking decision to say my goodbyes and have him put to sleep. He wasn’t just a dog; he was a cherished family member who never left my side, and he didn’t deserve to die in such a way.

I understand that many people love to celebrate occasions like Bonfire Night with fireworks, but I feel compelled to share the devastating effects these loud explosions can have on our beloved pets and vulnerable individuals in our communities. It’s not just my chihuahua who has suffered; countless other animals and people experience extreme distress and fear due to the loud noises. According to a study conducted by PDSA, over 62% of pet owners in the UK report that their animals are scared by fireworks.

Moreover, it's not just pets that are affected. Vulnerable children and adults, including those with sensory sensitivities such as autism, PTSD sufferers, and the elderly, can be particularly affected. For them, the sound of fireworks can be distressing and traumatic, turning joyful celebrations into frightening experiences.

We can still enjoy and celebrate Bonfire Night without the deafening noise. Silent or lower noise fireworks are available and provide a beautiful visual display without the terrifying sound. In fact, several cities worldwide have already started adopting silent fireworks and have seen success. For instance, in Collecchio, Italy, the town has enforced a noise limit on fireworks, drastically reducing stress on pets and vulnerable individuals.

By switching to silent or quieter fireworks, we not only protect our beloved pets but also ensure that everyone in our community can enjoy festivities without unnecessary distress. Let’s urge our local councils and government officials to make silent fireworks the standard for public events and encourage their use in private celebrations too.

Please sign this petition to bring about change. Encourage the adoption of silent fireworks for the health and well-being of our beloved pets and the vulnerable members of our community. Together, we can create a safer and more inclusive environment for all during celebrations.