Animal friendly fireworks: Oldham Liberal Democrats call on council bosses to “lead by example”
Oldham Liberal Democrats have called on council bosses to “lead by example” by using animal friendly fireworks at council events this autumn.
Ahead of upcoming events like Guy Fawkes Night, Liberal Democrat Leader councillor Howard Sykes MBE has written to Oldham Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, councillor Peter Dean, supporting an RSPCA campaign aimed at protecting animals and wildlife from the impact of nuisance fireworks.
Councillor Sykes said, “Thousands of pets, horses and livestock are affected by fireworks. Many hurt themselves in reaction to the noise and the flashes and, in the worst cases, it can be fatal.”
“Some of the fireworks that we here in Oldham are dangerously loud. Whilst private displays will always be harder to control, there are actions that the council can take for public events. I hope Oldham Council will lead by example on this.”
Councillor Sykes’ letter calls on the council to use “low noise” fireworks and enforce Public Space Protection Orders banning the use of fireworks near sensitive locations, for example, near where horses are kept.
The RSPCA’s #BangOutOfOrder campaign highlights the need for the government to change the laws around which fireworks are permissible for sale in the UK.
Councillor Sykes said, “If we really want to tackle the dangerously loud fireworks we’ve got used to hearing across Oldham Borough, we do need a change of legislation from the government.”
“I’ve asked Oldham Council to join the RSPCA and call on the new government to reduce the maximum permitted noise level for legal fireworks from 120 decibels to 90 decibels. It’s a common-sense law change that would bring us in line with other countries and I hope council bosses will agree.”
Councillor Sykes writes to Oldham Council (4/10/24):
Councillor Peter Dean
Cabinet Member for Thriving Communities and Culture
Emma Barton
Deputy Chief Executive – Place
Dear councillor Dean and Ms Barton,
Low noise fireworks and other measures to protect/help animals
With a busy Autumn/Winter events programme underway and a new firework evening planned for Guy Fawkes Night, I wanted to write to you to draw your attention to the RSPCA’s #BangOutOfOrder campaign aimed at protecting animals from the impact of fireworks.
Thousands of pets, horses and livestock are affected by fireworks. Many hurt themselves in reaction to the noise and flashes and, in the worst cases, it can be fatal.
Whilst private firework displays will always be harder to control, there are actions that Oldham Council can take when it comes to public firework displays.
Therefore, can I ask what is being done this year to ensure that disruption to animals is minimised? Is the council exploring the option of low noise fireworks? Has Oldham Council considered the use of Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO’s) to prohibit the use of fireworks near farms and other sensitive locations?
I appreciate that for more robust action against nuisance fireworks to be taken, a change in government legislation would be required. So I would like to ask if Oldham Council will join with the RSPCA in calling on the government to reduce the maximum permitted noise level for public sale of fireworks from 120 decibels to 90 decibels, in line with international standards?
I look forward to your considered response.