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More Than 170,000 People Sign Petition To Ban General Sale Of Fireworks

More Than 170,000 People Sign Petition To Ban General Sale Of Fireworks

The petition was set up with animal welfare in mind

Jake Massey

Jake Massey

More than 170,000 people have signed a petition calling for the general sale of fireworks to be banned.

As Bonfire Night approaches, thousands of people in the UK are calling on the government to stop fireworks from being sold to the public.

The petition cites the harm and distress caused to wildlife and pets and argues there are sufficient public firework events for everyone to celebrate events such as Guy Fawkes Night and New Year's Eve.

More than 170,000 people have signed a petition calling for the general sale of fireworks to be banned.
PA

The petition - which was set up by Elizabeth Jayne Harden - reads: "Every year more and more people, animals and wildlife get hurt by fireworks. It's time something was done to stop this. There are enough organised firework groups around for us to still enjoy fireworks safely so please help me stop the needless sale of them to the public!

"The noise from fireworks causes a great amount of fear, stress and anxiety in wild animals... Errant fireworks can also cause environmental damage though fires, and from the release of poisonous chemicals and particle-laden smoke, which is not just inhaled by wildlife, but contaminates the natural environment.

"In England last year, 4,436 individuals attended A&E because of an injury caused by a firework - more than double the 2,141 in 2009/10. With around 40% of the UK's dogs being scared."

Having passed the 100,000 signatures mark, Parliament will now consider the petition for a debate. This is far from the first time though that a petition like this has been created. Earlier this year, a similar one acquired more than 305,000 signatures, with a total of 11 petitions calling for the ban of public firework sales closing in 2018.

Every year animals die as a result of fireworks.
PA

It is currently legal for people over the age of 18 to buy fireworks from registered sellers and they can be set off until midnight on Bonfire Night and 1am on New Year's Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year.

Last month, Sainsbury's confirmed it would no longer be selling fireworks at any of its stores.

A spokesperson told LADbible: "Fireworks are no longer available in our stores, but customers can continue to choose from a range of seasonal products, such as glow sticks and light up spinning wands."

The move was welcomed by Dogs Trust, which told LADbible: "We congratulate Sainsbury's on their decision not to sell fireworks this year and would encourage others to do the same.

"Although they can look beautiful, fireworks can be very distressing for dogs when let off unexpectedly, and because they are so easily accessible all year-round, dog owners are on tenterhooks as to when their beloved pooch will next be frightened.

"A survey found over half of the British public think fireworks should be limited to public displays only. To reduce the distress caused to dogs we would like their use restricted to licensed public displays at certain times of the year or organised events, which are well publicised. This will enable owners to take steps to prepare their dogs ahead of any fireworks events. Good for the dogs and good for firework fans!"

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: uk news, Animals