Over 170,000 people have signed a petition to ban the general sale of fireworks to the public.
Thousands of people in the United Kingdom are calling on the government to ban the general sale of fireworks.
The petition cites the distress and harm caused to pets and wildlife, and that there are already enough public firework events for all people to celebrate New Year’s Eve, Guy Fawkes Night and other major events.
Set up by Elizabeth Jayne Harden, the petition 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.”
The Parliament will consider the petition for a debate after it passed the 100K signatures mark.
Last month, Sainsbury’s announced that it would no longer be selling fireworks. A spokesperson said to 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.”
Dogs Trust welcomed the move and 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.”
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Replaced!