Rejected petition Work with UK Government to ban the sale of fireworks and permit use at licensed events only

Although an issue for the UK Government, year on year, petitions to both the Senedd and the UK Government continue to fall on deaf ears.

As well as causing fear and distress to people, fireworks cause untold damage to wild and domesticated animals. Our ecosystems are in freefall and and Wales needs to lead the way.

The 2003 Fireworks Act and the 2004 Fireworks Regulations don’t do enough to protect animals. We urgently need a review of fireworks regulations.

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The Welsh Government has already said it is ‘very concerned’ about the effect of loud firework noise on animals and vulnerable people. It believes that, ‘on balance’ the current legislation is insufficient to protect these groups.

Every year the RSPCA receives hundreds of calls about the terrible effect fireworks are having on animals. As well as lost and petrified dogs and cats, there are also frequent reports of horses harming themselves by crashing into stable doors, each other and over fences.

The dialogue and talking is done - people are crying out for change, and it would be heartening to see Wales demand more: https://research.senedd.wales/research-articles/fireworks-regulation-in-wales-a-burning-issue/

Why was this petition rejected?

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In April 2024, the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change & Rural Affairs wrote in relation to an earlier petition: "The Welsh Government will continue to work constructively with UK Government to improve the laws governing the sale and use of fireworks in England and Wales."

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Date submitted 18 October 2024
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