Council Set To Back Campaign

The RSPCA campaign

Harborough Council is set to become one of the first authorities in the country to back a campaign aimed at reducing the impact fireworks have on pets and livestock.

In response to concerns from the RSPCA and residents, a motion by Leader Phil King will put to the Full Council later this month.

It includes urging suppliers to stock quieter fireworks, requiring all public displays to be advertised in advance, calling on government to limit the maximum noise level of fireworks and promoting an awareness campaign about the impact of fireworks on animal welfare and vulnerable people – including the precautions that can be taken to mitigate risks.

58% of owners polled by RSPCA say their animals show signs of distress during the fireworks season, prompting the launch of the charity’s ‘Bang Out Of Order’ campaign.

Campaigns Manager Mary Stevens spoke to Hfm:

Cllr King said: “Whilst bonfire night will have passed, there are fireworks all year round and as we are primarily a rural area this is something that does cause a great deal of anxiety to livestock and pet owners as well as many vulnerable persons.

“It’s not about stopping people having fun or being a ‘nanny state’, since some of this happens already, but making sure we are doing all that we reasonably can as both a council and a community to mitigate their impact”.