We’ve probably all seen the arguments on social media in Bridgend recently relating to the use of fireworks for private/home-based displays.
For some, those complaining are killjoys who expect special treatment and local issues with poor dog ownership are often brought up. For others, fireworks set off suddenly nearby can cause serious harm to their pets – in the worst cases leading to them running off or even dying from the shock.
Yesterday, Tom Giffard MS (Con, South Wales West) raised the issue of “fireworks season” with the Welsh Government. This year was different as Covid restrictions have pushed more people to hold displays in their own gardens, quoting figures from the RSPCA saying that 44% of people in Wales considered attending an unplanned/private bonfire event this year.
“….that, of course, means these events are now….taking place closer to those pet-owning homes, increasing the likelihood of extreme anxiety and distress for those animals, and even injury and death in some more extreme cases. I know, Minister, you previously noted earlier this month that we needed to make some progress on this issue, so can I ask what lessons the Welsh Government has learnt from the 5 November celebrations earlier this month, and what plans ahead of the new year celebrations you have to protect domestic animals?”
– Tom Giffard MS
As fireworks regulations are not devolved and the responsibility of the UK Government, the Rural Affairs Minister, Lesley Griffiths (Lab, Wrexham), has asked for the UK Government to consider transferring those powers to Wales.
She was pleased that some supermarkets opted not to sell fireworks this year, or switched to alternatives like noiseless fireworks and revealed that banning fireworks (presumably private sales to non-professionals) was considered as a possible option in previous years.
“….when I was the environment Minister, I had many discussions with Ministers from not just the UK Government but Scotland as well, to see what we could do to look at either banning fireworks, or looking at having silent fireworks, or no-noise fireworks. Because of course, it’s a balance, isn’t it, between people’s enjoyment….and the distress it, unfortunately, does cause. I know that the Deputy Minister for Climate Change is looking to see what can further be done, and I think he’s asked for some advice around the limitations of the current UK regulations.”
– Environment & Rural Affairs Minister, Lesley Griffiths
