I suffered a personal tragedy when I lost my 3-year-old rescue, Bailey, due to the relentless noise of fireworks during the festive season. Despite preparation and medication from the vet, Bailey was so terrified that he didn't recover. Every usual noise in the house terrorized him, and he could not even go for walks. Similarly, my German Shepherd, despite having been comfortable living near an army firing range, is on edge and now requires anxiety tablets for even a walk. Fireworks are not just a nuisance to us; they impose serious physical and psychological damage to our pets, our family members.

Each year, thousands of pets like Bailey and my German Shepherd suffer from firework-related anxiety. According to a study by the RSPCA, 45% of dogs in the UK show signs of fear when they hear fireworks. This is not just a problem for my family and other pet owners, but it affects wildlife too. The loud noises of the fireworks can cause animals to abandon their young or habitats.

Several environmentally friendly and pet-friendly alternatives to firecrackers are available on the market. There are silent fireworks which we can all buy and enjoy, that do not cause the same level of distress or harm to animals.

We are calling for a ban on the sale of public fireworks, to protect our valued family members and wildlife alike. Let the enjoyment and celebration not come at the expense of the physical and emotional well-being of our pets. Please sign this petition and stand for the right of animals to live peacefully in their environment.