Residents urged to think of vulnerable people and pets on Bonfire Night

Swindon Borough Council is making the plea so people think of their neighbours, pets and local wildlife before setting off loud fireworks.

After Bonfire Night last year, councillors voted unanimously to support a motion to get behind an RSPCA campaign, which recognises the fear and distress fireworks can cause many animals.

The motion also resolved to require all public firework displays within the Borough to be advertised in advance of the event, allowing residents to take precautions for their animals and vulnerable people.

It asked the Council to actively promote a public awareness campaign about the impact of fireworks on animal welfare and vulnerable people – including the precautions that can be taken to mitigate risks.

The Council is contacting all licensed premises encouraging them to purchase quieter fireworks in future.

Councillor Cathy Martyn, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Public Safety also wrote to the Minister with responsibility for fireworks at the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy earlier this year urging the Government to introduce legislation to limit the maximum noise level of fireworks.

Cllr Martyn said: “We want people to have a great time celebrating Bonfire Night, but for some people this time of year is not enjoyable as it can be frightening and confusing for the vulnerable in our community.

“People suffering from PTSD, the elderly and children with autism can be left scared by the loud bangs and bright lights caused by fireworks so it is important we all show consideration for those who are negatively affected.

“We also know that animals can suffer extreme stress and anxiety at this time of year. There are lots of things you can do to minimise the impact on others such as buying quieter and silent fireworks or simply by telling your neighbours you plan to set off fireworks in your garden.”

The Office for Product Safety and Standards has outlined a number of things that people can do to protect people and keep animals away from harm.

These include:

Only buy from licensed sellers

Make sure fireworks are bought from licensed in-store and online retailers. People should not buy fireworks from unknown retailers on social media sites. It is also illegal for under 18s to buy fireworks.

Let fireworks off on traditional celebration dates and adhere to the fireworks curfew

People are more likely to plan to protect pets and other animals if fireworks are let off on traditional dates. The firework curfew is midnight on Bonfire Night, 1am on Diwali, New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year, and 11pm the rest of the year.

Follow the instructions

Before letting off fireworks, people should read all the safety instructions on the box. If the instructions and warnings are not clear, do not use the firework. Once any debris has cooled down, tidy it up and soak it in water overnight. Then put it in a rubbish bag and in the bin.

Understand what fireworks you can use at home

Category F1, F2 and F3 fireworks are on sale to the public. A consumer firework will fall into either category F2 or F3 depending on how much of a safety distance it requires. Check there is enough space to safely use a firework before buying it. Category information can be found on the label.

Always follow the Firework Code. Search ‘fireworks’ on GOV.UK for more advice.

Be considerate to animals when letting off fireworks

If planning to let off any fireworks, let neighbours know in advance so they can plan for pets that might be affected.

If living close to horses, let their owners know well in advance that fireworks will be let off. Site fireworks well away from them and aim them in the opposite direction. It is important to be considerate to horse owners as they cannot easily move horses away from fireworks.

Notify nearby farms and stables if you are planning to use fireworks. Do not let off fireworks if they will disturb wildlife habitats, or roosting bats and birds.

Keep pets safe

On nights where fireworks are being let off, keep dogs and cats inside with somewhere to hide and give small outdoor pets extra bedding and nesting material to burrow in.