Having personally experienced the disturbing consequences of unregulated firework use, I am calling for immediate change. My retired racing greyhound, Queenie, is just one of the countless pets that suffer fear and distress due to irresponsible and anti-social misuse of fireworks all year round. Not only house pets, but also wildlife bear the brunt of this menace, with tragic recent reports indicating that terrified red pandas at Edinburgh Zoo died of fright as a result of firework noise. 

Fireworks' impact extends beyond animal welfare. It tosses up vital issues around public safety, environmental pollution, and noise disturbances. In the United Kingdom, the firework industry is worth an estimated £80 million and is subject to little regulation. Moreover, anyone over the age of 18 can buy fireworks anytime outside three key dates - November 5th, New Year's Eve, and Chinese New Year (Source: UK Fireworks Safety Law).

This lack of regulation leads to devastating and often avoidable consequences. We need to implement stricter laws that control and regulate the sale and usage of fireworks across Scotland and the wider UK, with permits required for all firework displays. By doing so, we can reduce the risk to wildlife, pets, and people, and foster a more peaceful environment.

I stand before you with a plea based on personal impact, and I hope you will join me in signing this petition demanding change. The time to act and protect our animals, our surroundings, and our peace of mind is now. Please sign this petition to call for the stringent regulation of firework sales throughout the United Kingdom and Scotland.