Ninety-five MPs* from across the UK have attended a drop-in event at Westminster to talk about the effects of fireworks on animals and people.
The Fireworks Impact Coalition**, made up of 19 animal and people-focussed charities – including Redwings – who are calling for change, organised the event which took place on Wednesday (12th November). It was sponsored by Sarah Owen, MP for Luton North, who is a passionate advocate for tighter fireworks regulation.
MPs who attended were from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Island and across the political spectrum.
There was also celebrity support from TV personality and presenter and keen animal-advocate Kate Lawler, who attended at the RSPCA’s invitation.
Kate is one of over 171,000 people who have now signed Redwings’ UK Government and Parliament petition calling on the Government to reduce the maximum volume of consumer fireworks from 120 to 90 decibels.
The charity is asking people to keep signing and sharing by following this link.
Figures, broken down by MP constituency, are available here.
Helen Whitelegg, Redwings’ Campaigns and Policy Manager, said: “It was great to meet so many MPs and hear how supportive they are for current fireworks regulations to be reviewed and potentially overhauled. A lot of those who attended said they would be keen to support a parliamentary debate on the topic. At this time, we’re waiting to hear whether the Government will hold a debate following the level of support our petition has attracted.
“Once a UK Government and Parliament petition surpasses 100,000 signatures this must be considered, and there are now two petitions calling for better regulation of fireworks that have far exceeded the 100,000 signature threshold.
“There have been so many tragedies involving fireworks shared on social media and covered in the mainstream news over the past two weeks.
“A five-month old foal was impaled on some farming machinery in Riddlesden, West Yorkshire and died. A two-year-old horse suffered a broken leg and had to be put to sleep after a large firework display near their home in West Sussex. On Friday we spoke with an owner whose horse hit their head after being spooked by fireworks and x-rays have shown she has a broken jaw. Lucy isn’t out of the woods yet and is facing eight weeks of soft food every few hours and continued veterinary support that will lead to significant cost.
“These are just some of the incidents involving horses that have happened this year, that we know about, as well as many devastating incidents involving dogs and other animals. Children and adults have been badly injured. Fireworks have been thrown at police.
“We have held events like this before but have never had as many MPs attend as we did last week and we thank them for coming.
“A bland response from Government to these calls for change won’t be acceptable now. People want and need more effective restrictions on the use of fireworks in the UK, for people, animals and the environment.”
To find out more about Redwings’ work on fireworks – including advice and resources to help horse owners prepare for displays – please visit: www.redwings.org.uk/fireworks
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