MP calls on council to back silent fireworks

SOUTH Antrim MP Robin Swann has asked Antrim and Newtownabbey Council to back silent fireworks after another stressful Halloween period for many householders and pet owners.

He said: “I am writing to ask that Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council review its use of fireworks at council events and give full consideration to the use of silent fireworks and/or drone shows as alternatives.

“Traditional fireworks can cause significant distress to pets, livestock and wildlife, as well as to individuals sensitive to loud noise.

“Other councils are already beginning to explore these animal-friendly alternatives.

It is my view that the council should lead by example in promoting more considerate celebrations”

Mr Swann has also attended an event at Westminster where he heard first-hand about the damaging impact of fireworks.

He has also been made aware of the case of a local family, where their dog ran off and was killed after being scared by an unannounced fireworks detonation.

“I have been contacted by many constituents over the past couple of weeks about the growing issue of fireworks and the distress they are causing across South Antrim.” said Mr Swann.

“I am particularly aware of a recent and very tragic local incident where a family dog, frightened by the sound of fireworks, ran away from home and sadly died.

“This highlights just how serious the impact of fireworks can be. The noise and disruption from fireworks can have a major effect on pets, wildlife and farm animals.

“It can also cause real distress for many people, especially the elderly, those living with PTSD and other vulnerable individuals. Fireworks are also often linked to antisocial behaviour in some areas.

“I have written to both the Department of Justice and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to ask what steps they intend to take to address the impact of fireworks on animals and people.

“I will attended an event in Westminster to hear more about the impact of fireworks and to learn what more can be done legislatively to help protect animals and vulnerable people.

“This is an issue that needs to be taken seriously, and I will continue to press for stronger measures to ensure vulnerable people and animals feel safe this time of year.”

This week, the UUP is also bringing a motion to Stormont calling for a review of firework regulations to tackle anti social behaviour and anxiety in pets.

Showjumper Joanne Slone-Allen, from Templepatrick, searched for her family pet Buddy, a dachshund, for days, after he was scared by private Halloween fireworks and ran off. Sadly, his body was later found close to a railway line.

Writing on Facebook, she said: “It is time to put an end to this, and make a stand for all the voiceless animals who are truly traumatised by the loud bangs which accompany the fireworks and once and for all end this archaic tradition - replacing them with environmentally safe and much more entertaining light and drone displays which are now more common in many forward thinking countries.

“If there is no demand the trade in illegal fireworks will stop, and little lives like Buddy’ss will be saved.

“I had to see my beloved pets lifeless little body wrapped in a blanket, no more able to give him warmth and safety. For three terrifying days he was without his family - whose love and safe keeping he had always been assured.

“One early evening his safe space was turned into a nightmare of bangs and flashes and he ran in terror away from it, away from his loving family and all he had ever known into the dark beyond.

“Every day now I wake and go through in my head what more we could have done, but grateful we at least got to bring his perfect body home to rest close by again.

“I am overwhelmed by how many people reached out to try to help bring Buddy home , the depth and genuine care from each and every one of you towards a little dachshund with a big heart and a love for life, has given me hope that their is still humanity and love in this world.

“Please, please make it your mission now not to let it happen to anyone else.”