Laura Anderson
Fireworks. They’re loud, they’re colourful, and they’re fascinating to watch. They’ve been a part of our celebrations for centuries, with the earliest fireworks being traced back to China over 2000 years ago! Whilst recently they became more of an American tradition, specifically on the 4th of July, they have made their way across the Atlantic Ocean to the UK.
Here, on November 5th - Bonfire Night - we light our sparklers and set off our fireworks, to commemorate the failure of the Gunpowder Plot in 1605. With firecrackers and Roman Candles, you’d think we’d be celebrating something of higher importance, and in recent years, many have begun to argue the legality and safety of these low explosives.
When I was little, the firefighters used to come to my primary school to discuss the safety precautions that must be taken when around these fireworks and sparklers; it often got me thinking, if these fireworks were so dangerous, why did we continue to use them? Sure, they’re gorgeous to look at, but should we really be handing out these explosives to the public?
In 2020, it was found that firework related injuries and deaths had risen: there were 18 deaths reported and 15,600 injuries, compared to the 12 deaths and 10,000 injuries from the previous year. The injuries alone had risen by 50%. It could be argued that deaths cannot be avoided, and sometimes people do stupid things. But are we really going to pretend that these sorts of things only happen to the select few?
There are countless stories of children injured by fireworks in accidents. In 2017, 4 year old Rosie-May was hit by a firework that had gone astray, she survived but was scarred and attended many counselling sessions to come to terms with the terrible events that had occurred that night. Accidents cannot be avoided, and in the hands of the public, accidents become more frequent.
Not only have fireworks killed people directly, but many have died in house fires started by fireworks. These explosives have caused damage to people, property and land, yet we, the public, still have access to them, and in the hands of the wrong people, these “pretty” pyrotechnic devices can cause some serious damage.
Last year, in Hull, a family home was destroyed in a firework attack, leaving the family’s dog and two cats dead, and a neighbour needing medical treatment. The suspects were three reckless teenagers, who should have never been able to get their hands on these fireworks so easily in the first place. So, I ask you again, should fireworks be available to the public?
Or, should they only be used in firework shows, which professionals overlook and ensure the safety of the public? Not only do these firework shows keep us safe, but they are far from urban areas and farmland, which keeps another important thing to us safe - our pets.
In recent years, many have spoken out about the animal cruelty behind fireworks, and in the past few days, it has made its way to news headlines.
Eamonn Holmes, a well known television broadcaster, has spoken out about his distressing experience concerning his dog Maggie. He has demanded that fireworks should be banned completely, after the noise left her completely terrified, and if not banned, then at least some serious restrictions should be put in place.
As someone who has grown up with dogs, I have experienced many 5th of November nights, where my lovable pooches have cowered under tables and desks, shaking uncontrollably. Even after every precaution my family took, from ear hoodies, to playing music, and walking them in the early hours of the afternoon before dark, the night would always end with a shaking dog at my feet.
It was completely heart wrenching to see them in such a state, and like myself, many owners would agree that the fear caused by these fireworks heavily outweighed the beauty of them. Not only do these fireworks frighten our dogs and cats, but our horses, our farm animals, and our wildlife.
52% of UK adults in England and Wales will be holding private displays of these explosives at their homes, causing extreme distress to the animals around them. These fireworks may be pretty to look at, but a stressed animal and a severe burn is not.
There are many campaigns across the nation to have some serious restrictions put in place, or the explosives completely banned. The RSPCA is aiming to change firework regulations so that our pets and animals can have a more relaxing night in their #bangoutoforder campaign. It’s time we start to take some responsibility, and have fireworks banned.
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