Two Edinburgh pet owners along with a pet charity have joined the Fire Brigades Union in welcoming the Scottish Government's decision to consult the public on its proposed Fireworks and Pyrotechnics Bill.
Jasmine Wright, 30, who lives in Sighthill with her partner Christopher and their dog Rogue, has said that the couple have had to choose alternative walking routes after seeing youths target dog walkers and other young people with fireworks.
The mechanical engineer says that the problem became so bad that they no longer attend their local park with the dog during firework season as Rogue can often become spooked.
They say that they have reported the issue several times to the emergency services but that they are no further forward with having the problem addressed.
She does not feel as though fireworks should be sold in supermarkets and should be limited to organised displays . She adds that it only adds to the existing anti-social behaviour that is rampant in communities such as Sighthill.
On their ongoing ordeal, she said: “I think fireworks shouldn't be sold in supermarkets and it should be kept to organised displays only. Having them in parks only encourages anti-social behaviour and in areas where it is already a problem. The walks during firework season becomes a dreaded thing.
“My dog isn't petrified of them but she still gets startled and scared by them. I was on the perimeter of the park and youths were throwing them from the centre of the park towards children playing in the park, it wasn't dark yet.
“We have had a lot of trouble with Sighthill Park, I have never had to phone the emergency services more in my life since living across the road from it all.”
She was joined in her condemnation of fireworks by Conor Marlborough, 26, who works as a writer and stays in Leith with dog Finn and partner Angus when he is in town.
He too shared his displeasure at the continuous use of fireworks and says that he wishes people would find alternative arrangements to mark celebrations.
His concern stems from the love and care that he has for his beloved dog.
Conor says that he becomes upset when his dog panics at the sound of fireworks and says that no amount of consolation can calm him down as the poor pooch ducks for cover under items of furniture.
He says that he welcomes the request for submissions from the public and that he hopes that common sense will eventually prevail.
Sharing his thoughts on the impact of fireworks and what he would like to see achieved, Conor said: “I don't understand some people's obsession with fireworks. They're really not that impressive. I'd argue that once you've seen a big firework display, like the ones held at Edinburgh Castle, you've pretty much seen all that they have to offer.
“So it confuses me that basically any event seems to be used as an excuse to let off a load of rockets and Roman candles - particularly when you consider the impact they have on pets and wildlife. Is a few minutes of 'thrill' really worth it?
“My dog is absolutely terrified of fireworks. He tries to hide under furniture and no amount of consolation will calm him down. It's upsetting to see him like that. I know families that have had pets run away and escape from gardens after being startled by fireworks. You might think it should be easy to plan ahead and make sure dogs are secure indoors on Guy Fawkes Night and Hogmanay, but owners might not always be aware of when fireworks are going to be used - particularly on neighbours' birthdays etc.
“I suppose tradition plays a large part in why fireworks are still so popular, but traditions change all the time. If people absolutely must hold displays, there are loads of low-noise fireworks to choose from, and technological advances mean really impressive and dynamic light shows can be produced using LED-covered drones.
“They were used out by the Forth Bridge last year and looked great. With those kinds of options available I don't think there is much need for the din that traditional fireworks create.”
Meanwhile the Fire Brigades Union also welcomed the call from MSPs on the Scottish Parliament’s Criminal Justice Committee for groups and individuals to submit their views on the proposed Scottish Government Fireworks and Pyrotechnics Bill.
The published bill includes plans for:
- Limiting the dates to when fireworks can be sold in shops to a total of 37 days a year based around holidays and cultural events.
- Ensuring anyone using the types of fireworks to be regulated would need special training, and a fireworks license.
- The provision of control zones to be established by councils, where most types of fireworks could not be used.
- The police would have new powers to search for and seize fireworks.
FBU Scottish secretary, Ian Sim said: “We welcome this call for evidence by the Criminal Justice committee. Every year the irresponsible use of fireworks causes fires, injuries and spreads fear in the community; it is our members who are put into dangerous situations trying to deal with the consequences.
"This is a real opportunity to protect the public, their properties and the people who keep us safe. We urge all those who have been impacted by fireworks to submit their views to the consultation.”
Richard Woodward, policy and monitoring officer at pet charity Blue Cross, added his thoughts on the bill, he said: “Blue Cross welcomes the proposed fireworks licensing system in the Bill.
“If administered and enforced efficiently and comprehensively, it should help to ensure safer use of fireworks, a greater appreciation of the adverse effects they can have on animals and a reduction in the number of pets who are injured, or even killed, by fireworks in Scotland.
“We also strongly support the new powers to introduce ‘firework control zones’ – we will be arguing they should be introduced near specific locations such as animal shelters and hospitals, rehoming centres, kennels, catteries, horse stables, livery yards, or any area where horses are kept.”
