Local councils creating 'firework control zones.'

I believe fireworks should only be used when part of an organised event

I own a neurotic dog so no one should be allowed to have fireworks ever. My rights and the rights of my dog are more important than the rights of others.

Little space for this and a great pleasure for children to let fireworks off in their own areas

Can we make all of Scotland a firework restricted zone please?

in the absence of a complete ban, it would help to reduce the distress caused by fireworks.

It gives too much power to the local Council. Councillors will sway with the wind if they feel it helps them get re-elected. Anti firework groups such as The Firework Campaign print untruths about fireworks to further their aims. Nearly all firework complaints come from dog owners. Why should a small but vociferous minority be allowed to dictate the lifestyle of the rest of us?

We need this in our area, many shared gardens near us and residents get together and put on big displays that should not be allowed in residential area. When one stops the next begins. Upsets our dog but also affects local wildlife. Have not seen any hedgehogs for last couple years, I worry bonfires have not helped their numbers.

People should be consulted more

Current laws are sufficient and just require enforcement

Yes! Limit to areas of public event spaces only. No use in built up residential areas or where there are lots of fields with livestock in close proximity

In areas where care homes( particularly supporting those with dementia, PTSD, learning disabilities) livestock, kennels, Cattery’s, stables and vet clinics are then this is totally appropriate and necessary. This would help to alleviate the stress caused to them and those that provide care to them

It would help people plan to avoid areas

Agree. It gives people control over their lives

There are more people affected adversely by fireworks than fill in petitions or write to their council.

Having firework control zones not only brings our communities together to experience something enjoyable but is also run by people who know what they are doing and for those who do not like them or have animals that can die from them to be elsewhere that one night. It also stops people in gardens putting them off unsafely all night and for several days before and after. No one wants to spoil fun but when it's something dangerous it needs to be safe.

it will never work. Who the hell thinks these daft things up ??

Zones are a good idea but there has to be a risk assessment to ensure the zone is in an appropriate area

who would police this? councils are cutting back on everything don't think they would have the resources for that

It would be a step in the right direction, but I can’t think of any areas where fireworks would not cause distress to either households or wildlife.

It'll stop the random part of fireworks, ie: any time, anywhere.

I would like to see at least some firework free zones, as this gives people options to escape the noise.

animals, the elderly, war heroes, and many other groups are terrified by the onslaught of fireworks for many nights over bonfire night, diwali, new year and many other times during the year. Animals die, yes die, pets have heart attacks from fear, cattle give birth prematurely. Please , please consider the reduction in firework use.

Having safe places, where there's no fireworks would be amazing. Not everyone likes them, humans as well as animals. Why should people, like myself, who are scared of them have to suffer??? Why should all the animals suffer??? I don't see the equality.

If there was an area where people could go to to escape the fireworks, this would make a huge difference. Not to sit in a lay by in the middle of nowhere in the freezing cold with your pets in the car for hours on end would be nice.

Fireworks should not be used near livestock, kennels, stables etc. Zones are a good idea as Defra refuse to give a guide as to legal distance fireworks can be used near animals.

Making fireworks predictable allows people who have distress from the to manage and still allows fireworks to happen. Its a good compromise.

There are to many people and animals getting hurt and scared with Fireworks. Every year many dogs suffer for days aD some times weeks due to fireworks. Have seen and know of horses and lifestock that have also been hurt

Should be banned around residential areas. Was like a war zone last November 5th near me. Just loads of bangers going off. Sounded like bombs. Obviously to scare/intimidate people. Keep them for public displays.

So if you are not allowed to set off fireworks at home, many will decide to set them off in a public space..so they can’t be identified..which is exactly what you don’t want!

More expense for councils already struggling with ever decreasing budgets.

It's desirable to have exclusion zones around hospitals, care homes, veterinary services, veteran residences, kennels, cattery & stables. Official organised displays would be ideal.

NIMBY springs to mind, what right do you have to prohibit one area and not another - ok in Govan but not in Newton Means

There is no need to create zones; existing legislation already offers sufficient protection to those who might need it, i.e. farms and so on.

Why should animals suffer?

It needs to be controlled

the current laws already cover this

I agree with the comments below 100%

Too difficult to enforce and just skirts around the issue. Outright ban for personal and public use unless by a licensed person fir events and restricted dates only

The Association of Scottish Police Superintendents summed this up nicely when they stated "It is a minefield that does not need to be created."

Julie Doorne "Fireworks should not be used near livestock, kennels, stables etc. Zones are a good idea as Defra refuse to give a guide as to legal distance fireworks can be used near animals." Protection of animals is already given by the Animal welfare Act. Enforce that before bringing in more burdensome regulation.

It removes the chance for some to celebrate with a long established method. It justifies people not training their pets correctly. It gives credence to the damage caused by fireworks being worse than the damage caused by pets and their owners where there are meny more injuries and much more PSD caused by dogs than fireworks.

I agree in theory but difficult for councils to monitor.

I once lived in a place where nearby, a local business set off fireworks at least once a week, in all seasons and weathers. Must have been a hotel or club, and what once was a nice sight to behold became bloody annoying pretty quickly. Annoying for me, but a nightmare for my cat and the neighbour's dogs. Think this kind of restriction would work well and be more fair to the local community.

Not only are fireworks terrifying for animals but also the elderly, those with Dementia, the Autstic and also those suffering from PTSD. My son in law suffered from this quite significantly since returning from Afghanistan where he was severely injured and lost many colleagues due to a landmine. The fireworks give him such flashbacks that it takes him weeks to recover. I truly believe that fireworks should be kept to organised events and those that want to go can whilst others can avoid it.

Firework free zones are a great idea. No fireworks near farms, stables, boarding kennels and animal rescue centres. Also keep them away from old folks homes and hospitals.

There is no reason for members of the public to have explosive material in their homes. You can't have a gun without a license so why should you have fireworks without a license. They cause soo much stress to animals for no good reason. Organised and licensed fireworks displays in certain areas that don't disturb the public and/or animals only.

yes, but not sure how easy this would be adhered to, better not sell them in the first place

Already covered by current legislation

It sounds sensible on the surface but this whole questionnaire is poorly thought out. There are many more facets to this, as evidenced by the comments. There should be only a few zones where fireworks CAN be used, in organised displays.

No one pays a blind bit of attention to where fireworks should be let off. Kids on the green pathways set them off at all times of the night. I don’t think they’ll change their behaviour because they’re not supposed to.

Who would enforce these zones? What about the vulnerable people and animals close to within the zone?

I think that having designated areas for setting off fireworks makes it easier for people to avoid them if they so wish

Less animal abuse the better.

Fireworks are inherently dangerous and their use should be subject to significant controls

I would support the use of this measure in residential areas, however, I'm not convinced it could be enforced. My preference would be to ban the sale of fireworks to the general public and permitting a limited number of public displays only.

It just makes sense

It promotes the use of fireworks on a public area. Nov 5th liceneced events only.People can prepare for this.A zone carries so much sound it can cause so much damage well outwith an area! The affect this can have on human & animal welfare is so damaging a 'zone' area is a dangerous thing to enforce.I know children enjoy fireworks displays so why not linit one venue 1 display ov 5th.People can plan ahead & still have community event to participate safely.

This would never work, not enough resources to police it. A COMPLETE BAN is necessary unless it’s for a LICENSED November 5th EVENT !!

Zones will still.impact residents and pets

Hopefully these places will include built-up areas where we live. I see no reason for private individuals to be letting them off in gardens.

I'm slightly torn on this one. I don't think it should be necessary as I would like to see an outright ban on fireworks. The distress caused to animals (and some people) far outweighs anything else.

Presently fireworks can be activated anywhere without notice. This leads to random activations and or displays in inappropriate locations without notice to local residents causing nuisance to people and distress to animals…

I'm not sure, I think fireworks should only be used by councils in controlled displays,

We live in a democracy not dictatorship. However common sense should also be used

Yes in part but zones dont stop noise. Silent or low noise fireworks only anywhere

All private residences should not be allowed to set off fireworks. They should be for controlled events only (if at all). All areas by kennels, stables and livestock should be firework free zones.

This overcomplicates the issue and is very difficult to enforce.

Fundamentally, fireworks are explosives and there are plenty of accidents every year where they've been used too close to buildings or animals resulting in loss of life or damage to structures. Having controlled zones protects people, property, domestic animals and wildlife.

It should be easy for people who are distressed by fireworks to avoid them.

Agree with restrictions but not sure if this will be useful. What would identify zones? What about those not in the zones. Not sure if this would be effective, are variations between local authorities and areas a good thing?

I hate the noise and smell of fireworks. They seem to be getting bigger and more powerful every year. In the hands of amateurs it is only a matter of time before a tragedy happens.

Zone would be an idea but it would need to be out with housing areas but also away from area where livestock are. Maybe silent fireworks should be they way to go

I don’t see how it would be enforced. You might as well only licence public displays and that way you have your firework control zones as only public displays can set off fireworks. The only way you allow a public display is to ensure they have consulted with the relevant community and they have a full licence and relevant risk assessments. I agree that areas where there are no fireworks would help animals and people who are distressed by fireworks get away from them, but it’s unenforceable.

An outright domestic ban on all.noisy fireworks is what is needed

Some areas with wildlife or domestic / farm animals require protection from idiots.

There could be designated places where firework displays ARE allowed by virtue of remoteness from human or animal habitation, but not the other way round

I think this would be very hard to police and wouldn't end up giving the necessary protection that people and animals need. Just have licences firworks displays that are organised ahead of time so people and owners of animal and livestock are able to make sure their animals are safe and people who suffer from PTSD etc are able to go somewhere on that date to avoid the organised firework display.

Consultation would be a must

Fireworks are commonly used in parks, nature reserves, residential areas and other public spaces where pets and wildlife are adversely affected by noise and rubbish. Control zones would definitely be supported by many residents.

How will the licence work? do people have to renew annually? Personally, I think the sale of fireworks should be prohibited to members of the public.

Hopefully it would stop any idiot buying and letting off fireworks where and when they like.

All fireworks should be banned. They terrify animals, vulnerable and older people. They get lit and set off the week before and the week after bonfire night

The use of fireworks is no longer a few days a year at certain times. Bonfire night lasts a month or more. They are available all year and they are used at night sometimes to until 2 am or later. Pets and horses etc are scared by them continually without the opportunity to keep them in and safe on certain dates. The "free for all" has gone too far. It is time for some moderation.

Public and animal safety

It would enable the councils to limit the damage caused by fireworks to domestic pets, livestock and other wildlife, by limiting their use to safe areas.

Not far enough. There should be a total ban unless it’s an organised display

this seems highly sensible, because the more unruly elements of society always seem to be prepared to cause offence with fireworks, without taking any responsibility for their actions.

There are no safe zones as there are people and wildlife everywhere. They are disruptive, loud, and terrify animals and wildlife. There have been too many deaths of horses and dogs, plus other wildlife. Enough is enough.

Local councils are better equipped to enforce regulations in their areas

Fine as long as it is for the use of a legitimate organisation.

It is important to ensure that fireworks cannot be used on an advocacy basis and to control where and when they can be used.

The use of fireworks is likely to be highly stressful to many forms of wildlife (& domesticated animals). Our wildlife is already under unprecedented pressure due to human activity, environmental degradation and climate change.

it has the potential to create designated areas for fireworks to be used

All streets and areas with livestock should be firework control zones. However, what is the point of a law if it cannot be enforced?

Great idea, but won't work as it won't be policed. Like no drinking zones.

The sale of fireworks to the general public should be banned ALTOGETHER. It is ridiculous to simply restrict useage to zones because the delinquents that currently misuse fireworks would then still be able to get them and ignore the zone law. Also, policing zones creates another unnecessary load for the police.

They should be for organised displays in areas away from housing where the noise level fies nit have such an impact on human and animal life.

Sounds sensible but likely to lead to patchy, post-code lottery through variable local council attitudes and interpretation. A national policy restricting firework events far away from field animals, wildlife, vulnerable people then? Impossible - so lets just ban firworks unless they are silent!

It would be very difficult to police unless the zones were very large. This might make sense in a highly populated area.

Residential areas are for the quiet enjoyment of the many and should not be spoiled by the few

Where are the places which fireworks could be let off with out causing distress to any persons or animals? It would please many people if their are was a firework free zone but cause more distress to many others, and who would police this?

It would be simpler and more effective just to limit use to licensed, organised displays.

Fireworks, particularly those that make a loud noise are anti-social by their very nature and are very frightening for many domestic pets and wild animals

A step in the right direction.

I agree with this as I live in a Glen full of sheep and cattle and one of the houses has holiday cottages and they let off fire works for New Year and birthdays and upset the stock causing the local farmer to be angry because of injured stock

Public safety is important

there are clearly areas where the noise of fireworks is intrusive and distressing.

It should enable councils to stop the use of fireworks in inappropriate/vulnerable locations and areas. It should also assist enforcement and could be incorporated into any licencing provisions.

I think it needs to do more, like restrict time or how often too

of the distress and worry it causes to animals and elderly living alone.

it will allow councils to create 'quiet zones' to protect vulnerable people and animals. However the wording of the proposal sounds like a lot of work for councils and I think a far simpler system should be introduced.

be better to create zones where they CAN be used- areas suitable for public displays- rather than no go areas- ALL residential and animal farming areas shold be "no firework araes" as a minimum

Enough on the plate of local councils. There should be a complete BAN on fireworks in all Scotland. Who has money to burn???

Adds to local democracy and accountability.

the law needs to ban the use of fireworks in domestic settings and restrict them to public places and events in order to preserve species.

This will reduce the nuisance created by impromptu fireworks shows.

Gives the council great authority as to where fireworks and and cannot be used.

Would create safe areas

Yes, I think this would be very helpful, especially in situations when peoples' neighbours break the law. In such cases, neighbours can be reminded that the local Council can take action against them. So hopefully, this will be another deterrent.

Many animals both wild and domesticated suffer as a result of the excessively loud noise they emit. Not only that but there are some people who find the noise difficult to cope with. An example being people who have ptsd or anxiety problems as well as many elderly people. Livestock in fields or buildings need protection from this which may necessitate an exclusion zone

some areas by virtue of their location (proximity to vulnerable people, readily combustable materials domestic and wild animals) would be especially unsuitable for firework use.

It's a good idea, if we are forced to have fireworks.

Fireworks should not be let off in built up areas

fireworks should be kept to organised events only. the increase in fireworks being set off ad infinitum is disgusting. They affect animals & people who become terrified & can at times kill them

If certain areas were designated firework control zone and only for a given time/date, then we would know when and where they were going to happen instead of randomly. The zone should also stipulate what type of fireworks could an couldn't be used depending on where the zone is situated.

No need for exclusion zones. Simply put a blanket ban on all firework displays and issue fines for people buying online.

Maybe there should be zones and since animals are NOT well protected by the Animal Welfare Bill i think people should NOT be allowed to set off fireworks wherever they like. Even a horse died of fright, a horrific death and a waste of innocent life, when neighbours set off fireworks. Unfortunately i cant see this being regulated and would probably cause so much extra work for councils they wouldnt bother.

Housing estates should be no firework zones. Who wants to watch their dog shake because there are fireworks going off on all sides of the house.

Fireworks shouldn’t be readily available as they cause distress for animals and many vulnerable people.

There is just no need for fireworks. Unfortunately these days they are used as weapons to hurt scare and terrorise people and animals.

The Council should have control of their area for the well being of the community.

There should be no need for anything but one public display. Fireworks and bonfires are dangerous and distressing in residential areas

The Association of Scottish Police Superintendents summed this up nicely when they stated "It is a minefield that does not need to be created."

Anonymous User "There are more people affected adversely by fireworks than fill in petitions or write to their council." There are more people affected by dangerous dogs than by fireworks. They don't write to their Council either.

Yes, I think these zones may be helpful.

libby "There are to many people and animals getting hurt and scared with Fireworks. Every year many dogs suffer for days aD some times weeks due to fireworks. Have seen and know of horses and lifestock that have also been hurt" 200 horses every year are shot at the trackside after falling badly. Does this not concern you more? If so why do all you horse owners stay quiet?

Anonymous User "It's desirable to have exclusion zones around hospitals, care homes, veterinary services, veteran residences, kennels, cattery & stables. Official organised displays would be ideal." This is already catered for under the Animal welfare Act. Enforce that before demanding new regulation.

This is an opportunity to reduce the effect on animals-many of whom are truly terrified by fireworks. This includes wild animals as well as pets

Anonymous User "Fireworks are commonly used in parks, nature reserves, residential areas and other public spaces where pets and wildlife are adversely affected by noise and rubbish. Control zones would definitely be supported by many residents." This is already illegal under the Animal Welfare act. Enforce existing rules they are quite adequate.

Anonymous User "I hate the noise and smell of fireworks. They seem to be getting bigger and more powerful every year. In the hands of amateurs it is only a matter of time before a tragedy happens." Unfortunately for your argument no member of the general public has been killed by a firework this century. Dozens killed by dogs. Fireworks have not got bigger or more powerful 'every year'. This is dishonest. The noise level of 120dB has been set for over a decade.

Anonymous User "There is no reason for members of the public to have explosive material in their homes. You can't have a gun without a license so why should you have fireworks without a license." HSE Explosives define fireworks as "pyrotechnic articles for entertainment purposes" whereas guns are designed to kill. It's quite an easy one to rationalise why are you confused?

Anonymous "Fireworks are inherently dangerous and their use should be subject to significant controls" They are already the most strictly regulated product that you can buy.

Anonymous User "Some areas with wildlife or domestic / farm animals require protection from idiots." I refer you to the Animal Welfare Act.

Anonymous User "Fundamentally, fireworks are explosives and there are plenty of accidents every year where they've been used too close to buildings or animals resulting in loss of life or damage to structures. Having controlled zones protects people, property, domestic animals and wildlife." Look up the Animal Welfare Act. You will find plenty of protection in it's pages. How would you stop the actual loss of life following dog attacks as opposed to your imagined loss of life from fireworks?

anon "All fireworks should be banned. They terrify animals, vulnerable and older people." All dogs should be banned. They terrify and kill animals, vulnerable and older people.

Anonymous User "I agree with this as I live in a Glen full of sheep and cattle and one of the houses has holiday cottages and they let off fire works for New Year and birthdays and upset the stock causing the local farmer to be angry because of injured stock" My considerable experience in this area suggests that sheep are fairly unconcerned by fireworks. They do however cower in fear from dogs and with good reason. 300 sheep every week killed by dogs, thousands more maimed and distressed.

Vulnerable individuals, human and non-human suffer greatly from fireworks, so it is selfish of others to want a few minutes entertainment which will cause this suffering and indeed often death in the case of pets, wildlife and livestock.

There was overall agreement with this measure, but several questions were raised: The first was whether there would be provisions for local communities to be heard on the creation of these zones. One of the respondents mentioned the increased risk for inhabitants of densely populated areas. 2 of the respondents referred to fireworks’ incidents which resulted in the injury and or death of livestock and sheep, and the accompanying distress. (RNIB Session 23rd February)

Concerns were also voiced about the potential politicisation of how these measures are introduced by local councils, discrepancies in their application in different council areas and the need to protect the application of these measures by adopting a consistent framework. One of the respondents also pointed out how noise travels across council boundaries. (RNIB Session 23rd February)

There should be more comeback and powers for the police and council on the anti-social use of fireworks, one member used an example from a previous tenancy of his, this was in Scottish Veterans Residences in the East End of Glasgow where many tenants experienced PTSD and local children and young people would deliberately set of fireworks right next to the building. This had a very detrimental effect on the mental health of those living there. (Erskine Session 3rd March)

There was agreement around increasing the powers of the councils to ensure the use of fireworks was only in some areas and at certain times. (Erskine Session 3rd March)

Think each time a firework display is planned an application should be made to the council.

Fireworks are explosives and should not be used ANYWHERE by the public; only in organised displays by fully trained operatives.

Residential areas and areas with high animal populations could be no-go areas

Councils don't need to be tied down with this. It won't work anyway. Anyone who wants to let off illegal (and therefore dangerous) fireworks will do it anyway.

Current laws already ask consumers to use fireworks responsibly. Anyone that doesn't use a firework responsibly is antisocial behaviour. I believe that by creating a "NO FIREWORKS" Zone . Immediately encourages anti social use. Its a bit like the big red button that says DO NOT PUSH ! You push it !

Disagree

Currently being used near a local cat and dog home

I have agreed only becasue this consultation has not given us the option of a "thumbs up" for either a total ban or for banning all but silent fireworks. Fireworks nowadays are much louder than they were in years past. Some sound like major explosions. They are audible from miles away. Animals and vulnerable people are plunged into a state of terror for hours on end. The responsible, mature response to the problem of fireworks would be an outright ban.

A delibert ploy to muddy the waters. Everyones heard the story of two many cooks spoil the broth. It just asks for anarchy. A total ban on the use of Fireworks by any members of the public in any location is what is required. Organised Displays by licensed organisations only.

Having controlled zones will not make a difference. These zones will probably be in large fields which would still kill and harm all wildlife.

All built up areas should be no go zones for fireworks except organised events

Too much red tape and paperwork and the burden is on the council to shoe requirement for the zone. It should be the other way round - applications for an event showing due consideration of the impact.

The use of fireworks has become anti social. They're let off at all times of the day and night throught the year, not just on on Bonfire Night, New Year and other permitted holidays. Despite it being illegal, we often experience fireworks being set of by groups of teenagers in our local park, causing damage to park property.

Councils should organise an event for their area that is then control. Fire works should not be sold to the general public.

Good idea but how to enforce this. Just ban completely except for public displays

My local council & Police Scotland won't enforce it, so pointless. Just ban them.