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National Campaign for Firework Safety
Our aim is to promote the safe use of fireworks
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has produced a report entitled
Quiet Please, loud fireworks frighten animals
This press release was published on Thursday 31 October 2002
Loud Fireworks Should Be Banned From Public Use
-Three surveys come to the same conclusion-
Loud fireworks should be banned from public use and restricted to organised displays, according to a new survey which shows more than half the UK population is worried about the effect fireworks have on their pets.
The MORI poll, commissioned by the RSPCA, shows 71 per cent of those questioned thought loud fireworks should only be allowed at public displays - a sentiment backed by 78 per cent of adult RSPCA members and a staggering 87 per cent of young RSPCA members who took part in Society surveys (see 3 and 4 on factsheet).
Pet owners are right to be concerned about the effect fireworks have on their animals, according to a shocking new RSPCA survey of vets in England and Wales. Last year 4,825 animals were treated for firework-related injuries and/or were prescribed sedatives because they were so frightened (see I on factsheet). Sixteen animals were put to sleep because of their injuries, and three animals were believed to be the victims of deliberate attacks.
To find out whether quieter fireworks could be the solution to the 'fear' problem, the RSPCA will be collating evidence on low noise fireworks. The Society aims to find a maximum noise level that is unlikely to cause distress to animals if welfare guidelines are followed. It will also look into whether a standard design of low noise firework can be manufactured to guarantee a maximum noise level.
In the meantime, the Society is encouraging the public to attend organised firework displays - but if people are determined to let fireworks off at home, the RSPCA would encourage them to buy a low noise range. Equally the charity would urge organisers of public displays to give those living in the surrounding area sufficient warning so they can keep their pets indoors.
Chris Laurence, the RSPCA's chief veterinary officer, said: "We are horrified by the number of animals brought to us for emergency care as a result of firework injuries. But at the same time the Society recognises that people in the UK enjoy holding and attending firework displays. We would encourage them to attend public events where possible and we would welcome any effort by the industry to reduce the noise levels of fireworks sold for public use. If 'quieter' fireworks are used responsibly we hope people would still be able to enjoy the spectacle without the cost to pets and wildlife.
"Anyone with an anxious pet should seek advice from their vet. Dog owners can also seek their vet's advice on a new pheromone treatment - the Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP), aimed at reducing the sensitivity of the dog to noise."
Notes to editors:
56 per cent of pet owners surveyed by MORI said they were worried about the effect that loud fireworks have on their animals.
A massive 89 per cent of adult RSPCA members surveyed said their pets were frightened of fireworks, with 72 per cent of young members agreeing with them.
This press release was published on Thursday 13 February 2003,
'Louder' Fireworks Should Be Banned, Claims RSPCA
- RSPCA launches its 'Quiet Please' campaign in light of new evidence -
Fireworks as loud as a road drill or a nightclub should be banned from public use because of the distress caused to animals. This is the conclusion of a new report published today by the RSPCA.
The 'Quiet Please' report also reveals that, contrary to guidance from experts in the firework industry, it is possible to control noise levels through a firework's construction.
The RSPCA is calling for the government to set a maximum noise level of 95dB for fireworks available to the public. Noise level studies have indicated this is likely to minimise distress to animals, but allow people to continue to enjoy firework displays at home. The Society stresses that animals must never be present when fireworks are let off and usual precautions must be taken to avoid distress.
Bill Tynan MP's Control of Fireworks Bill - which is also published today and will receive its second reading in Parliament on February 28 - proposes to ban fireworks except at certain times of the day and year. It also aims to introduce new regulations for public firework displays to ensure that ample consideration is given to those living nearby.
But the RSPCA does not believe the distress and disturbance caused to both the public and their pets will be adequately reduced if fireworks louder than 95dB remain available for private use and fears proposed spot fines for the misuse of fireworks will be near impossible to police.
Chris Laurence, the RSPCA's chief veterinary officer, said: "As fireworks are used more and more the RSPCA believes urgent measures must be taken to stop distress and injury to animals. There is a voluntary ban on the fireworks industry selling fireworks louder than 120dB but suffering to animals would be reduced if these fireworks were sold only to professionals for public displays which should be organised according to strict guidelines. Also we would like to see shops selling fireworks to the public required to have a licence.
To determine a maximum noise level unlikely to cause distress to most animals, two trials were conducted - one in an open area and the other in a built up area. The fireworks were fired and the noise level measured every millisecond. Some fireworks reached more than 100dB - equivalent to noise made by a road drill or nightclub. The readings were then compared to the noise levels of everyday sounds pets may hear.
Research showed the easiest way of controlling noise produced by a firework is to reduce its size. The smaller the firework, the less pyrotechnic powder there is, so there is less noise when the gas is released and the firework explodes.
The RSPCA has fierce veterinary and public backing for its call to reduce the noise of fireworks. In a MORI opinion poll the majority of people questioned thought loud fireworks should only be allowed at public displays. And an RSPCA survey of vets in England and Wales (published October 2002) showed that in one year alone 4,825 animals were treated for firework related injuries and/or were prescribed sedatives because they were so frightened. Sixteen animals were put to sleep because of their injuries, and three animals were believed to be the victims of deliberate attacks.
RSPCA FIREWORKS CASE STUDIES
TERRIFIED DOG HANGED ON DOOR KNOB
Ann Marcou, veterinary surgeon, Fern Grove Veterinary Surgery, Liverpool
A Staffordshire Bull Terrier hung himself on a door handle when, terrified of the noise of the fireworks, he tried to bolt from his Liverpool home.
In his attempt to escape from the loud bangs, the dog caught his collar on a door knob and as he fought to free himself, his collar was pulled tighter and tighter and eventually strangled him.
The dog's owners were not at home.
Vet Ann Marcou said: "Fireworks start early in October and run until way past bonfire night. It causes dogs and other animals so much distress and is a real problem."
TERRIFIED DOG LEFT WITH RED RAW FEET AFTER FIREWORKS MADE HER BOLT
David MacCuish, veterinary surgeon, Shipley, West Yorkshire
An 11-year-old crossbreed dog called Megan was left with red raw feet after she chewed through a wooden door and fled in fear last bonfire night.
Already nervous of loud noises, Megan became terrified by the sounds of fireworks exploding. She gnawed through a door at her owner's home in Shipley, West Yorkshire, and bolted when she could no longer stand the noise.
She was missing for 12 hours before her distraught owner found her about a mile from home, disorientated and whimpering with fear. She was taken to see vet David MacCuish, of Avenue Vet Group, Bingley Road, Shipley, who prescribed tranquillisers.
He said: "She became so scared, she just ran and lost all sense of direction. When she arrived at Avenue Vets it took quite a while to calm her down. The noise of the fireworks terrified her. I think she ran and just kept on going. The pads on her paws were virtually worn off."
Sadly, Megan died earlier this year of old age.
STRESSED DOG VOMITS EVERY TIME SHE HEARS FIREWORKS
Debbie Jones, Horton Kirby, Kent
A four-year-old whippet called Blue is so terrified of fireworks that she vomits every time she hears them. Owner Debbie Jones said Blue shakes and cries and hides behind her every time she hears a loud bang, and hopes the sedatives she has been given by her vet will help calm her down this Guy Fawkes Night. Debbie said: "She starts crying and pacing and just can't settle, and then she is sick. It's very upsetting to see her sit and quiver, so I hope the sedatives work this year - although I don't like having to give them to her."
CAT SUFFERS HORRIFIC BURNS IN SUSPECTED FIREWORK ATTACK
Oldham, Lancashire.
A cat returned home with severe burns and a deep, open wound exposing muscle in a suspected firework attack. Jay, a four-year-old tabby cat, received extensive treatment after the incident in Oldham, Lancashire, but sadly he later died. The RSPCA believed Jay was deliberately set on fire and all evidence pointed towards the use of a firework.
CAT ALMOST STARVES AFTER BOLTING FROM FIREWORKS
Glenda Luscombe, Northfleet, Kent
An eight-year-old cat called Helene nearly starved to death after she was frightened by the noise of fireworks and disappeared for eight weeks.
Owner Glenda Luscombe, of Northfleet, Kent, thought she had lost her beloved cat forever when she received a call from the RSPCA saying that Felene had been found.
Glenda said: I missed Felene so much - she's so adorable. She disappeared on November 2 last year and eight weeks later I had given up all hope of getting her back. I couldn't imagine that she could survive that long on her own, and anything could have happened to her.
"When I received the call on Christmas Eve saying she had been found and the RSPCA had collected her, I couldn't believe my luck."
RSPCA FIREWORKS FACTSHEET
RSPCA Net Survey (1)
4,825 cases treated
16 animals euthanased due to fireworks
3 deliberate attacks
86% of cases were dogs
12% of cases were cats
1.5% of cases were horses
0.3% of cases were wildlife
0.3% of cases were small animals
MORI/RSPCA Survey (2)
71% agreed that loud fireworks should only be allowed at public displays
57% agreed that, for private use, the public should only be allowed to buy low-noise fireworks
RSPCA Animal Life Readers Questionnaire (3)
95% wanted fireworks to be used at licensed events only
87% would like the public sale and use of fireworks banned
78% would like only 'silent' fireworks available for public use
89% said their pets were distressed by firework events
77% said they would write to their MPs to urge them to support moves in parliament to control firework use.
RSPCA Animal Action Readers Questionnaire (4)
90% said they thought fireworks should be quieter
87% thought that only quiet fireworks should be used by the public
83% did not like fireworks with loud bangs
72% said their pets appeared to be scared by fireworks
(1) 444 vets responded
(2) Results based on 1,003 interviews with adults aged 16-plus from across Great Britain. Interviews were carried out by telephone between 27-30 September 2002. Data have been weighted to the national population profile. For further details about the MORI survey, please contact Andrew Norton or John Leaman at MORI on 020 7347 3000.
(3) 1,051 readers responded. Animal Life is the magazine sent to adult members of RSPCA
(4) 241 readers responded. Animal Action is the magazine sent to young members of RSPCA
COMMENTS MADE BY VETS WHO TOOK PART IN THE RSPCA VET SURVEY
"Small kitten found on motorway with extensive burns to legs and abdomen. He had his tail amputated and went through months of post-operative care."
"A dog jumped through a glass window whilst fireworks were exploding. He was treated for multiple lacerations and shock."
"Had to collect dog that had died after it had tried to escape from a house. Owners were not in and the dog had hung itself by the collar on the door handle as it jumped up."
"All claws on a dogs front feet stripped off by the dog trying to scratch and dig its way out of kitchen."
"We have a Staffordshire terrier who destroys his environment totally (furniture, carpets) within minutes of fireworks going off. This poor dog is a miserable pile of anxiety-ridden nerves for two to three months each year.
"Frightened old dog. Ran over two miles and finished on a motorway where he was hit by a car, fracturing a femur."
"Our own Jack Russell terrier escaped from cage, through gas vent and was run over and killed half a mile from home.
"Dog that goes into epileptic fits due to stress from fireworks."
"Severe noise phobia causing dog to tear a large hole in an internal door on several occasions."
"Damage to nails, feet and mouth when dogs destroy inside of house and furniture during panic attacks."
"A dog so traumatised by the noise that referral for behavioural therapy was necessary."
"Dog chewed though exterior door and bolted. Missing for 12 hours. Found exhausted about one mile away. Now permanently frightened of loud noises."
"One client's dog got so distressed that he ran into their shed and in his panic knocked the contents of the shed onto himself and died."
"The difficulty is that over each celebration the fireworks go off for three to four days therefore you cannot sedate an animal for this long."
RSPCA report
Quiet Please, loud fireworks frighten animals
Loud fireworks mean misery for animals. But altering the way fireworks on general sale to the public are made could reduce their noise levels considerably The RSPCA - along with the majority of the British public - wants to see loud fireworks restricted to public displays.
After years of dealing with escalating numbers of calls about animals that have become lost, injured or distressed due to the increasing use of fireworks, the RSPCA is in no doubt that clear and repeated messages to take precautions when using fireworks are being ignored.
Despite issuing simple step-by-step advice to firework users to ensure minimal distress to pets. farm animals and wildlife, the RSPCA continues to receive hundreds of calls every year from anxious pet owners whose pets have bolted from the noise of fireworks and become lost or injured. Fireworks are increasingly being used to celebrate a growing number of events, festivals and private occasions. The RSPCA believes urgent measures must be taken to curb the animal casualties and distress caused.
Now, the majority of the British public is backing the call for a clampdown in firework use. A recent RSPCA-commissioned opinion poll showed that the vast majority of the British public believes loud fireworks should be banned from private use.
This report documents the findings of public and veterinary surveys, which highlight the overwhelming case for controls on fireworks. It also contains the findings of expert research on noise levels and the construction of fireworks. The findings reveal that, by altering the basic construction of fireworks on sale to the public, noise levels could be considerably reduced, leaving the louder fireworks for professional displays only
Fireworks are currently broken down into four categories under British Standards. Categories one, two and three are available to the public, and category four fireworks are for professional use only While these standards stipulate safety requirements and construction guidelines, there are no noise restrictions incorporated in them. The RSPCA is seriously concerned with category three fireworks -- many of which reach considerable noise levels. The RSPCA believes these are levels that are likely to cause distress to animals.
The RSPCA continues to receive hundreds of calls every year from anxious pet owners whose pets have bolted from the noise of fireworks and become lost or injured.
NEW RESEARCH
Fireworks are enjoyed by a large proportion of the public. But many pet owners are forced to sedate and comfort their pets through prolonged fireworks night celebration and unexpected firework displays at unpredictable times of the year.
In order to minimize distress, whilst allowing the public to enjoy fireworks as much as possible, the RSPCA has looked for a more animal welfare approach. It has gathered evidence for almost a year from vets, the public, explosives experts and noise specialists to find a solution that will also resolve many of the other issues, such as public disturbance, that so often fill MP's mailbags.
Public opinion
A groundswell of public opinion that fireworks have become a year--round nuisance has prompted the RSPCA to conduct a MORI poll or 1,003 people.
Half the people interviewed were pet owners.
71 per cent agreed loud fireworks should only be allowed at public displays.
When told some companies are now developing fireworks that are quieter than the usual loud types, 57 per cent agreed that. for private use, the public should only be allowed to buy low-noise fireworks.
In a survey of 1,051 RSPCA Animal Life magazine readers:
87 per cent thought the public sale and use of fireworks should be banned.
77 per cent felt so strongly that they have written or would write to their MP.
According to the DTI there has been a 'large increase in complaints from the public relating to noise, neighbourhood safety and general nuisance from fireworks'. In response to a recent Parliamentary question. the DTI revealed that it received 359 letters about fireworks from MPs and 1.089 letters from members of the public in only three months. The department figures show that the number of injuries to rose from 972 in the year 2000 to 1,362 in 2001.
Veterinary opinion
In a 2002 survey of 444 vets throughout England and Wales, more than half had dealt with firework cases in the last year, involving 4,825 animals. The breakdown of animals where specified in the survey showed:
86 per cent were dogs 1.5 per cent were horses
12 per cent were cats 0.5 per cent were wildlife and small animals.
In the vast majority of cases where dogs were seen by the vets, sedatives had to be prescribed to minimize their distress.
HOW ANIMAL SUFFER
Clearly a significant proportion of the public considers Fireworks are becoming an increasing noise nuisance. Many MPs report fireworks as one of the major issues raised in their constituents' letters.
While noise causes an unwanted disturbance for many people, the RSPCA is seriously concerned about the number of animals that become distressed by the noise and are lost or injured as a result.
Between the end of October and mid-November 2001 the RSPCA received 776 reports of firework-related incidents. Among the animals affected was Megan. an 11-year-old crossbreed dog left with red-raw feet after she chewed through a wooden door and fled in fear on bonfire night.
Already nervous of loud noises. Megan became terrified by the sounds of fireworks exploding. She gnawed through a door at her owners home in Shipley, West Yorkshire. and bolted when she could no longer stand the noise.
She was missing for 12 hours before her distraught owner found her about a mile from home, disorientated and whimpering with fear. She was taken to a vet, who prescribed tranquillisers.
Eight -year-old cat Felene is another example of how terrified pets can become. Felene nearly starved to death after she was frightened by the noise of fireworks and disappeared for eight weeks.
Owner Glenda Luscombe. of Northfleet. Kent thought she had lost her cat forever, when she received a call from the RSPCA saying Felene had been found in a barn about eight miles away from home, hungry and dehydrated -- but alive.
Noise nuisance
Veterinary feedback indicates that the noise levels of fireworks is what causes animals alarm - with thousands of dogs being sedated to reduce their distress every year.
While a significant proportion of the British public enjoy fireworks, the RSPCA has gathered evidence on noise levels of fireworks that are likely to cause distress. Noise expert Robert Peirce of West Sussex- based Symonds Group conducted a detailed study of several ranges of fireworks ranging from those sold as low-noise 'kids'' fireworks and others from louder-noise ranges.
To determine what maximum noise level of firework is unlikely to cause distress to most animals, a trial was conducted in too environments - one in an open area and the other in a built-up area. The fireworks were fired and the noise levels measured throughout the duration of each firework, which varied from two to 97 seconds. As the tables on pages 12 and 13 show there was a considerable difference in the results of the trial with some fireworks reaching more than 100 decibels (dB(A)) - the equivalent of the noise from a road drill or a nightclub. No animals were used or caused any distress during this study.
The results of the noise readings clearly revealed that:
the maximum noise levels from higher-noise ranges, mainly rockets and multi-shot cakes, were all above the typical impulsive noise levels of sounds that animals would be exposed to on a daily basis such as doors slamming, car doors closing and other environmental noises
the maximum noise levels of the rockets, multi-shot fireworks and Roman candles from the range sold as a 'kids' pack' varied from the noise found in a typical office to a book being dropped on a table, with some being as loud as the noisiest in the adult range, reaching well above nightclub noise levels
candles in the children's selection that eject stars varied from the sound of a hairdryer held close to the ear to the sound of a car door being closed
the fountains in the range tested produced noise levels below that which would be expected in a living room with a TV on at normal volume.
Children should never be exposed to anything over 120 dB
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), an adult can tolerate an occasional noise level of up to 140 dB. But children should never be exposed to anything over 120 dB - the maximum level that the industry's voluntary code includes in packs of fireworks for private use by members of the public.
The dB scale is logarithmic and an increase of 3 dB is equivalent to doubling the noise level. So the noise output of a firework producing 110 dB is ten times higher than the noise output of a smaller firework producing 100 dB. However, in terms of perception a noise level would be considered to be twice as loud when two sounds differ by 10 dB.
In considering an acceptable maximum noise level for fireworks for public use, the RSPCA's study took into account noise levels of everyday sounds and activities. As the table shows, typical household noises such as a door closing can reach 92 dB and a hairdryer will produce 70 dB.
Threshold of Pain - 140 dB(A)**
Jet aircraft at 100 metres - 120 dB(A)
Loud car horn - 110 / 120 dB(A)
Alarm clock at 1 metre - 100 / 110 dB(A)
Road drill or nightclub - 100 dB(A)
Book dropped onto table at 1 metre - 95 dB(A)
House door closing - 92 dB(A)
Inside bus - 80 / 90 dB(A)
Car door slamming at 2 metres - 87 dB(A)
TV in living room at normal levels - 70 dB(A)
Hairdryer (close to ear) - 78 dB(A)
Traffic noise on street corner - 70 / 80 dB(A)
Conversation speech - 60 / 70 dB(A)
Office noise - 65 dB(A)
Table of measured maximum noise levels*
*All maximum noise levels in this document refer to a fast meter response (125 ms).
**The A shown in brackets after dB shows the weighting that has been applied to the noise measurements. The dB(A) weighting correlates best with the subjective response to noise and is an internationally accepted standard for noise measurements.
The RSPCA believes a maximum noise level of 95 dB(A) would allow the public to enjoy their own firework displays while causing the minimum distress to animals. The Society also stresses that animals must never be present when fireworks are let off and that precautions are taken to reduce any distress fireworks may cause.
NOISE REGULATIONS
There is no legislation specifically governing the maximum noise level of fireworks for public use. There is only a voluntary code, announced last year by consumer minister Melanie Johnson. which sets 120 dB as the maximum noise level.
Fireworks available for sale in the UK are mainly imported from China. In order to classify, all fireworks must meet British Standard specifications. These specifications include guidelines on design and safety instructions that must be given. Based on their design and amount of explosive, fireworks are split into four categories: one to three are available for public use and category four is for professional use only. The specifications do not stipulate any maximum noise levels. So the recently-adopted voluntary code provides the only regulation on noise in the UK.
Reducing firework noise
Contrary to firework industry experts claim that it is nearly impossible to produce a firework that will not exceed a specific noise limit. the RSPCA has gathered evidence proving that clearly defined construction specifications will reduce their noise levels.
It must also be taken into consideration that. out of the range of fireworks tested in this research, many produced maximum noises of 65 to 95 dB(A) - similar to a door shutting or the noise inside a bus. Clearly the construction of these fireworks does not result in the loud bangs and screaming whistles that produce dB levels likely to cause distress to animals and the public.
A report by explosives consultant Stephen Miller reveals how firework noise can be restricted at the design and construction stage. This work shows that there are many different types of firework noise makers, ranging from whistles and screams to crackles and explosions, It is explosions that produce the noise effect that causes most concern.
He shows the most simple means of controlling the noise of a firework is to limit its size. They are generally constructed from laminated and bonded paper to form a container capable of withstanding relatively high internal pressures. his part-filled with a pyrotechnic powder, usually a fine flash powder mixture. When ignited the powder burns rapidly. producing high-pressure gas within the paper container. The gas continues to build until the container is unable to withstand the pressure and ruptures, releasing the gas in a fraction of a second. The mechanism that produces the explosive sound is the extremely rapid release of gas as the container ruptures.
Miller's report reveals that the smaller the firework unit, the less powder it can contain and the lower the energy available for rapid release.
The size and shape of the powder grains used also affects the rate that the powder burns. Larger coarse-grained flash powder will burn more slowly than that in figure B, slowing down the gas pressure build-up within the container and reducing the energy output when it ruptures.
In addition to grain size, their shape can further control the burn rate, giving manufacturers greater flexibility to fine-tune the rate of reaction to meet their requirements. The slowest burning powder grain is spherical. Flakes of powder have a greater surface area and will burn taster than spherical grains. More complex grain shapes can further increase the surface area of a given volume of powder, increasing the rate of reactions.
While pyrotechnic powders such as flash powder are only currently available with rough irregular grain forms, the use of coarse powder instead of the more reactive fine powders could be used to reduce the noise energy output from consumer fireworks.
Devices sold as category two fireworks under British Standard (BS7114) are currently relatively low-noise and not therefore such a concern in terms of sound disturbance. But the RSPCA believes the government should focus on noise restrictions for category three fireworks - the largest of consumer fireworks - which include rockets and multi-shot barrages with a required safety distance of 25 metres between the audience and firework firing location. The Society believes the loudest of these fireworks should either be modified by design or moved into category four for professional use only.
FIREWORK LAW
The RSPCA agrees with the department of trade and industry that 'when used sensibly and with consideration for others, fireworks are a very popular form of family entertainment'. However, the Society does not believe the new voluntary code announced by consumer minister Melanie Johnson at the end of 2002 - putting fireworks that produce 113-120 dB into larger, higher-cost packs - will go far enough to reduce noise nuisance. Comparisons that can be drawn with this noise range are a loud car horn going off one metre away and a jet aircraft at 100 metres.
A maximum level of 120 dB is also to be adopted but only on a voluntary basis by the industry.
A pilot scheme of £40 fixed-penalty notices for letting off fireworks in the street in four police authority areas was also announced in the government's package of measures - most of which are based on a voluntary code of practice and are not legislation. The RSPCA is concerned that this will be difficult to police, due to problems in locating sudden, short noise disturbances.
Time for change
After several attempts by MPs to introduce legislation to control firework use have failed. Bill Tynan MP (Labour, Hamilton South) has tabled a Private Members Bill, which once again aims to regulate the use of fireworks. The Control of Fireworks Bill, receives its Second Reading on 28 February 2003. The Bill proposes that fireworks be banned except at certain times of the day and year as specified by the minister. It also aims to further regulate public firework displays to ensure that ample consideration is given to those in the neighbouring vicinity.
The RSPCA warmly welcomes the objectives of the Bill as a step in the right direction to reduce the distress fireworks cause. But the Society believes the Bill could be further strengthened by introducing noise level regulations into the British Standard. This will allow the public to continue to enjoy private firework use while minimising distress to animals if noise level regulations were introduced into the British Standard specifications. This would also allay fears that a ban on all fireworks would result in a black market of unsafe fireworks. The Society also fears it would be difficult to implement legislation that restricts firework use to times of the ear. Anyone who wishes to use them in prohibited periods could stockpile them when they are available. Once fired illegally, it is virtually impossible for authorities to detect who was responsible for the incident. Policing of this proposal could present significant problems in the RSPCA's view.
CONCLUSIONS
It has been proved that it is possible to reduce noise levels by modifying the design and construction of fireworks. Reduction in the maximum noise levels to 95 dB - the equivalent of a house door closing - would allow the public to enjoy most of the fireworks currently available for sale and private use but restrict the loudest fireworks to professional use only
The RSPCA does not believe the distress and disturbance caused to both the public and their animals will be adequately reduced while these loud fireworks are still available for private use.
The voluntary code of practice designed to remove the loudest fireworks of over 113 dB from sale to the public is also a serious area of concern, as without legislation it cannot be enforced.
The Society is also concerned that measures to deter the misuse of fireworks in a public place by imposing on-the-spot fines will be near-impossible to police because the sudden nature of firework noise makes it difficult to locate.
What the RSPCA wants
Only fireworks designed to generate maximum noise levels of below 95 dB(A) should be available to the public for private use through licensed outlets. The design parameters should be detailed in legislation.
Any loud fireworks over this level should be restricted to public firework displays organized by experienced pyrotechnicians.
Classification of fireworks under the British Standard should be reviewed and louder category three fireworks either modified to reduce noise or moved into category four for professional use only.
Because a voluntary code of practice to regulate the industry is not enforceable, clear regulations should be included in existing frameworks such as the British Standard 7114.
Public firework displays should follow strict guidelines to ensure neighbouring communities have adequate notice and thorough consideration is given to farm animals and wildlife in the area.
The RSPCA can be contacted at
RSPCA, Wilberforce Way, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 9R5 Tel 0870 010 1181 Fax 0870 753 0048
Press office direct lines: 0870 7540 244/28 8 Fax: 0870 7530 099
Duty press officer (evenings and weekends) Tel 0870 0555 500 and ask for pager number 828825
Email: press@rspca.org.uk Website: www.rspca.org.uk
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