Firework shops could be asked to sell ‘quieter’ pyrotechnics over concerns for dogs

Bristol City Council could soon ask firework shops in the city to sell quieter pyrotechnics for public displays in response to concerns they cause fear and anxiety for animals.

The council could also promote an awareness campaign on the impact of fireworks and encourage public display organisers to advertise events, allowing people to prepare for their animals.

A motion for idea was put forward by Labour Councillor Fabian Breckels and will be decided at next week’s full council meeting.

In the motion it refers to research published for the University of Bristol and the RSPCA which shows 45 per cent of dogs show signs of fear when they hear fireworks.

And it says it is ‘likely’ that fireworks and related debris cause disturbance to wildlife.

The RSPCA says a licensing system for firework displays would help with enforcement, it adds.

The motion finishes with a resolution that the council encourages’ local suppliers of fireworks to stock ‘quieter fireworks for public display’.

It also proposes calling on party group leaders at the council to ask the Government to limit the maximum noise of fireworks sold for private displays to 90 decibals

The Fireworks Regulations 2004 prohibits the supply of fireworks louder than 120 decibels.

Sales are permitted to “unlicensed traders” in the three days up to Chinese New Year and Diwali, between October 15 to November 10 for Bonfire night, and between December 26 to December 31 for New Year celebrations.

Laws also state fireworks must not be let off between 11pm and 7am - but this is extended to 1am for New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year, Diwali and until midnight on November 5.

Speaking to BristolWorld, a firework shop in the city said they stock ‘low-noise’ fireworks, but people are not buying them.

Michael Seward, of M32 Fireworks, said: “We already specialise in low noise fireworks. Last New Year’s Eve we had lots of leftovers. We stock them but people don’t buy them.”

He also said people often go to smaller shops which do not specialise in fireworks and do not sell low-noise options.