Charity coalition fireworks

On the 1st November 2022, 37 MPs attended an event at the House of Commons held by eleven charities who were united to highlight the need for a review of existing fireworks legislation and the harmful impact they have on animals and vulnerable people.  

Dogs Trust, Blue Cross, Battersea, British Veterinary Association, Cats Protection, Children’s Burns Trust, The Kennel Club, Combat Stress, PTSD UK, Dan’s Fund for Burns and Help for Heroes welcomed 37 MPs to the fireworks coalition event to discuss the impact on human and animal welfare. They also discussed how the law is failing to protect those affected by the unpredictable and loud noise of fireworks and why they are calling on the UK Government to urgently review the current legislation. 

The charities are calling the attention of the UK Government to conduct a review of existing fireworks legislation, and for change with a view to introduce further restrictions on where and when they can be used. Through better regulating the use of fireworks, the charities hope to limit the unnecessary distress that can be inflicted on so many people and animals during fireworks season, which often lasts many evenings around key events such as Guy Fawkes Night, Diwali and New Year’s Eve. 

Jacqui Suttie, Founder and CEO of PTSD UK says, “When you have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD or C-PTSD), any loud or sudden noise can be a trigger, leading to flashbacks, uncontrollable shaking, panic attacks, heart palpations and many other physical and emotional symptoms. That linked with the other symptoms of PTSD and C-PTSD such as exaggerated startle response, fear of sound (phonophobia), aversion to specific sounds (misophonia), and a difficulty in tolerance and volume of sounds that would not be considered loud by normal hearing individuals (hyperacusis) means firework ‘season’ in October and November or around festivals such as Diwali, New Year and Chinese New Year can be a hugely traumatic time for people with PTSD and C-PTSD.