Ninety-five MPs from across the UK have attended a drop-in event at Westminster to talk about the effects of fireworks on animals and people.
Those involved in horse care will know too well how worrying fireworks displays can be, including staff at Redwings Horse Sanctuary. The charity, along with 18 other charities, teamed up as the Fireworks Impact Coalition, to organise the event.
MPs who attended drop-in on 12 November were from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Island and across the political spectrum.
There was also celebrity support from presenter and keen animal-advocate Kate Lawler, who attended at the RSPCA’s invitation.
Kate is one of over 173,000 people who have now signed Redwings’ UK Government and Parliament petition calling on the Government to reduce the maximum volume of consumer fireworks from 120 to 90 decibels.
“It was great to meet so many MPs and hear how supportive they are for current fireworks regulations to be reviewed and potentially overhauled,” said Helen Whitelegg, Redwings’ Campaigns and Policy Manager.
“A lot of those who attended said they would be keen to support a parliamentary debate on the topic. At this time, we’re waiting to hear whether the Government will hold a debate following the level of support our petition has attracted.
“Once a UK Government and Parliament petition surpasses 100,000 signatures this must be considered, and there are now two petitions calling for better regulation of fireworks that have far exceeded the 100,000 signature threshold.”
Ms Whitelegg cited some of the many tragedies involving fireworks that have occurred this month.
“A five-month old foal was impaled on some farming machinery in Riddlesden, West Yorkshire and died,” she said. “A two-year-old horse suffered a broken leg and had to be put to sleep after a large firework display near their home in West Sussex.
“On 7 November we spoke with an owner whose horse hit their head after being spooked by fireworks and x-rays have shown she has a broken jaw. She isn’t out of the woods yet and is facing eight weeks of soft food every few hours and continued veterinary support that will lead to significant cost.
“These are just some of the incidents involving horses that have happened this year, that we know about, as well as many devastating incidents involving dogs and other animals. Children and adults have been badly injured. Fireworks have been thrown at police.
“We have held events like this before but have never had as many MPs attend as we did last week and we thank them for coming.
“A bland response from Government to these calls for change won’t be acceptable now. People want and need more effective restrictions on the use of fireworks in the UK, for people, animals and the environment.”
Redwings is urging the public to keep signing and sharing, click here to view the petition.
Lead image by Shutterstock
