MEMBERS of Warrington Borough Council have unanimously backed calls from two dog-owning members for action to help reduce the impact of fireworks on vulnerable people, pets and pet owners.
Proposed by dog-owning Cllr Maureen McLaughlin (Latchford West) and seconded by fellow dog-owning Cllr Judith Guthrie (Westbrook) the motion recognised the distress that can be caused by fireworks and put forward some simple measures that have been promoted by the RSPCA to help alleviate the worst impacts.
The motion, which was supported by all members, called on the Council to take the following actions:
•To require all public firework displays within the local authority boundaries to be advertised in advance of the event, allowing residents to take precautions for their animals and vulnerable people
•To actively promote a public awareness campaign about the impact of fireworks on animal welfare and vulnerable people – including the precautions that can be taken to mitigate risks
•To request that the Leader of Warrington Borough Council writes to the relevant government minister urging them to introduce legislation to limit the maximum noise level of fireworks to 90dB for those sold to the public for private displays
•To encourage local suppliers of fireworks to stock ‘quieter’ fireworks for public dispay
Cllr Maureen McLaughlin said: “I have received a number of emails from worried dog owners on this issue, and I know that many other councillors have received similar emails.
As a dog owner myself I know just how distressing fireworks – especially noisy fireworks – can be, not just for pets and their owners but also for some vulnerable people in our town.
“These days, the fireworks ‘season’ can go on over two weeks and sometimes more, and there are also other occasions throughout the year when people enjoy fireworks.
“The proposals are not intended to prevent people from enjoying fireworks. It’s not a motion against firework displays, but by agreeing these measures we can help to reduce the negative impact of fireworks, and encourage people to be thoughtful so that their enjoyment doesn’t come at a cost to others.
Cllr Judith Guthrie added: Residents have over the years expressed their concerns over fireworks in our area, our local displays always advertise the date and the time that these occur. This helps our residents plan for these occasions so not to cause stress amongst our animals and vulnerable residents. This motion will help to reduce the impact of noise and help all to enjoy fireworks as they are meant to be enjoyed.”
For more information on the RSPCA Bang Out of Order Campaign, please use the following link:
https://www.rspca.org.uk/getinvolved/campaign/fireworks
Pleased to get full support for the motion on reducing the impact of noisy fireworks 💥 I put forward at Warrington’s Full Council meeting last night. Including a little extra support from a special furry friend 🐶 @RSPCA_official pic.twitter.com/eyf39WgLYQ
— Maureen McLaughlin 🌹 (@CllrMaureenMcL) March 30, 2021
