Latest news and revealing insight into how the government care/or not about the welfare of the people of the UK and their animals.

The RSPCA action produced emails sent to the Office of Product Safety and Standards, the reply was a cut and paste effort of mind blowingly useless, regurgitated drivel.

Here it is………a copy and paste of their reply.

[Thank you for taking the time to write to the Office for Product Safety and Standards concerning the regulation of fireworks.

The Government understands that many people have strong feelings about the potential distress caused by fireworks to animals, including pets. This is one of the reasons why there are laws in place which control firework availability and use.

The domestic use of fireworks is subject to an 1 Iprn curfew other than on November 5, Diwali, New Year's Eve and Chinese New Year when there is a later curfew. Retailers are restricted to selling fireworks for limited periods on these four occasions unless they have a licence from their Local Authority allowing sales throughout the year, In addition, fireworks which exceed 120 decibels must not be supplied to the public.

We encourage users of fireworks to think of their neighbours and for professional users of fireworks to give plenty of notice of their displays so those who are vulnerable or keep animals can plan for their safety.

The Office is currently working with industry, retailers, charities and others such as the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents and Netmums to promote the safe and responsible use of fireworks. We recognise the best way to ensure this is through guidance and public education and by ensuring appropriate action is taken against those breaking the rules.]

Let’s just have a little look, and breakdown that statement..

The government understands…. Strong feelings about potential distress ... What about REAL, verified, actual distress?

Control firework availability and use …. Fireworks are available 365 days a year online. And can be used 365 days a year, from 7am to 11pm … So basically, fireworks can be purchased and used from when you wake at 7 until you go to bed at 11, every single day of the year. (Not sure what kind of control that is?)

Domestic use is subject to a curfew up to 11pm and later on Nov 5th, Diwali, New Years Eve and Chinese New Year.  ….. So, all the time you are awake and some of the time you want to sleep!

Retailers are restricted to selling fireworks for limited periods on these four occasions unless they have a licence from their Local Authority allowing sales throughout the year….…. If they pay for a licence, shops can sell all year… Not very restricted then is it? Is there one in your town?

encourage users of fireworks to think of their neighbours….. we have video evidence that that isn’t working, since when did the government encouraging anyone to do anything work?

professional users of fireworks to give plenty of notice of their displays so those who are vulnerable or keep animals can plan for their safety….. This is the only part of this whole reply that actually may happen. Professional pyrotechnicians want this. I am also pleased to see it has been admitted that people need to plan for their safety.

We recognise the best way to ensure this is through guidance and public education ….. We have been waiting since the debate in June 2016 to see any sign of education making a difference.

……………………………………………………………………………………            ………………………………………………………………..

In the meantime, what happens to the vulnerable in our society, the animals and our emergency services?

To conclude, following this disappointing and typical government cut and paste reply, I am asking that the change.org members join me and look to support a government petition (213,000). Although asking for a ban on public fireworks, it will, if debated, increase our chances of a review of firework law.  

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/231147