Highlands & Islands Regional MSP David Stewart has raised his concerns that the misuse of fireworks will continue to cause alarm to the public and will also cause anxiety to many within our communities, including domestic pets and wildlife as we approach bonfire night.
Speaking today in Inverness he said “Unless you have applied to your local authority, paid the fee of £500, and been granted an all-year licence, then you can only supply fireworks from 15 October to 10 November, from 26 to 31 December on the first day of the Chinese New Year and the three days immediately preceding this and on the first day of Diwali and the three days immediately preceding this. Allied to this fireworks must not be set off after 11pm and before 7am. In my view up to 11pm is too late to be setting off fireworks and we should bring that time back to 10pm.Throwing fireworks or setting off fireworks in public places is an offence and any one witnessing such events should report same to the Police.”
“These restrictions have been brought in to try and alleviate the suffering caused to many people particularly the elderly and of course animals. In Midlothian earlier this year they local Authority were looking for a total ban on the sales of fireworks. Whilst I have some sympathy with this view, I do not think that we need more regulation. What we need is more education.”
David Stewart continued “ In many cases family pets are the individuals life companion. Imagine how they must feel when they see their beloved pet so frightened it is totally traumatised, shaking with fear and cowering in a corner. Those that set off fireworks without any thought of the consequences, need to reflect on their actions and I would always recommend attending an organised bonfire event instead. So I would urge people to stop and think before even purchasing fireworks let alone setting them off.”
“I tabled a Parliamentary motion on this issue today in the Scottish Parliament.”
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