Greens call for ban on firework sales for sake of Scotland’s animals and communities
The potentially devastating impact on wildlife and family pets underlines the need to ban the private sale of fireworks, says Scottish Greens MSP Maggie Chapman.
For many the 5th of November is a night to be remembered, but for plenty across Scotland it is a night of stress and pain as they attempt to calm family pets from the terror of uncontrolled loud noises from fireworks.
Scottish Greens have previously secured legislation which empowered local authorities to introduce Firework Control Zones, with Green councillors in Edinburgh and Glasgow leading the introduction of zones in their respective cities.
Now the party is calling for a nationwide ban on the private sale of fireworks to crack down on noise and environmental pollution.
Scottish Greens MSP Maggie Chapman said:
“Firework displays are enjoyed by thousands of people across Scotland for a variety of cultural celebrations, and I think it’s important that organised displays are protected for communities to enjoy.
“However, in recent years we have seen the period from mid October to Hogmanay become a dangerous time for families with pets and others living in constant fear of extreme distress from fireworks.
“We all know that fireworks have adverse effects on our wildlife and family pets, yet every year we are seeing them being set off in residential communities all over our country. I don’t believe that we would think handing individuals explosive devices was at all appropriate in any other situation.
“And we know that fireworks have also been used to attack emergency service workers. That can never be acceptable.
“Scottish Green MSPs and Councillors have led campaigns to introduce Firework Control Zones in our cities and communities, limiting the impact of fireworks. I hope that we can build on that and secure an end to private sales.”