Labour MP pushes to ban fireworks louder than a lawnmower and restrict sales to only specialist shops in a bid to ease the stress on cats and dogs

A Labour MP is pushing for new laws to ban fireworks that are louder than a lawnmower and restrict sales to only licensed shops.


A Labour MP is pushing for new laws to ban fireworks that are louder than a lawnmower and restrict sales to only licensed shops.

Sarah Owen, a former shadow minister, claimed a change to the rules around fireworks was long overdue.

The Luton North MP pointed to the disruptive effect of fireworks on people trying to sleep, as well as the stress they cause for animals.

She introduced proposed legislation to the House of Commons yesterday through a Private Members Bill.

Ms Owens Bill aims to limit the noise level of all fireworks sold to the public to 90 decibels, judged by experts to be equivalent to the sound of a lawnmower, or less.

She also wants to ban sales to the general public, online or in stores, of category F2 fireworks or above.

Labour MP Sarah Owen. a former shadow minister, claimed a change to the rules around fireworks was long overdue

Labour MP Sarah Owen. a former shadow minister, claimed a change to the rules around fireworks was long overdue

Ms Owen is aiming to limit the noise level of all fireworks sold to the public to 90 decibels, judged by experts to be equivalent to the sound of a lawnmower, or less

Ms Owen is aiming to limit the noise level of all fireworks sold to the public to 90 decibels, judged by experts to be equivalent to the sound of a lawnmower, or less

The Luton North MP pointed to the disruptive effect of fireworks on people trying to sleep, as well as the stress they cause for animals

The Luton North MP pointed to the disruptive effect of fireworks on people trying to sleep, as well as the stress they cause for animals

Category F2 and F3 fireworks are currently the most powerful types of fireworks available to the public and require a safety distance of at least eight metres or 25 metres, respectively.

Category F4 fireworks are for professional use only, while category F1 fireworks are classed as indoor or close proximity fireworks with minimal safety distances.

Under current laws, fireworks that can be bought in shops must not exceed 120 decibels.

Ms Owens Bill would also only allow for the sale of fireworks from licensed shops all year round.

There are currently periods around Guy Fawkes night, New Years Eve, Chinese New Year, and Diwali when fireworks can be sold from non-specialist shops, such as supermarkets.

Ms Owen said: Change to firework law is long-overdue.

Though better enforcement of existing law is needed, it is not right that extremely loud rockets and firework fountains can be purchased all year round by the public.

I have received hundreds of letters and emails from concerned residents, frankly fed up of having their sleep and lives endlessly disrupted.

Loud fireworks are also a huge cause of stress for pets, and can be distressing people with PTSD, bringing back painful or traumatic memories. Its time to tighten the rules.

I look forward to working with animal welfare and veterans charities, as well as MPs from across Parliament, in getting this crucial change through.

David Bowles, head of public affairs at the RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) charity, said: With Bonfire Night approaching, we know many people will be getting excited by fireworks.

But its important they are used responsibly, and consider animal welfare. 

Our legislative framework in this area is long due an update, so its really welcome to see this being looked at via a Private Members Bill.

Private Members Bills rarely become law unless they receive the Governments backing, but are often used by backbench MPs to raise awareness of a campaign.

Ms Owen came 18th out of 20 in the ballot for MPs wishing to introduce Private Members Bills, which means her Bill might not make much more progress through Parliament.

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Источник: Daily Online

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