Low-Noise Fireworks: A Thoughtful Alternative for Animals and Communities
As the festive season of Halloween and Bonfire Night fills the air with celebration, the issue of fireworks comes to the forefront. While fireworks add a magical element to events, their loud sounds and sudden flashes can distress animals and vulnerable individuals. Amid growing concerns over their impact, low-noise fireworks and alternative technologies like drones are gaining attention as responsible choices.
“We aim to raise awareness and explore the case for restricting fireworks sales to businesses, raising the minimum purchase age, and emphasizing the need for low-noise alternatives to protect both people and animals“.
The Impact of Fireworks on Animals and People
The sudden, loud explosions from traditional fireworks are known to cause significant stress and anxiety, especially for pets, wildlife, and even some people. Animals, with their sensitive hearing, often experience intense panic, leading them to flee, hide, or even injure themselves to escape the noise. Dogs and cats, common household pets, may suffer from heightened anxiety, disorientation, and injuries. Wildlife is similarly affected; birds, for instance, have been known to abandon nests or fly into obstacles, sometimes resulting in fatal injuries.
A staggering number of animal injuries and distress cases occur each year due to fireworks. The RSPCA reported that approximately 62% of UK pet owners say their animals show signs of distress during fireworks displays. According to a report by PETA, thousands of pets are injured or killed each year due to fireworks-related panic. Veterinarians also report a surge in anxiety-related cases around holiday periods, with some pets even requiring medication.
Humans, too, face risks. People with conditions such as PTSD, sensory processing disorders, and audio sensitivity can experience heightened anxiety and panic during firework displays. According to the British Medical Journal, fireworks also cause approximately 4,500 injuries to people in the UK each year, with a large percentage of those injuries affecting children and teens. Emergency rooms often see a spike in cases during this season, underscoring the need for more regulated fireworks usage. Citation: Pringle, E., Eckstein, M. B., Casswell, A. G., & Hughes, E. H. (2012). New firework caused severe eye injuries at a public display. British Medical Journal, 345, e6579. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.e6579 The letter published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) on October 2, 2012, discusses severe eye injuries caused by a new type of firework during bonfire night celebrations in Lewes, UK. The authors, Edward Pringle and colleagues highlight that eight patients attended the Sussex Eye Hospital on the evening of November 5, 2011, with five suffering serious eye injuries. Two of these patients were blinded, and three were at risk of lifelong glaucoma. The letter also mentions that the new explosive was derived from “rope banger deer scarers,” which have a slow-burning rope fuse that ignites multiple explosives along the rope. When cut down, the fuse and explosive can be lit and thrown, posing a significant danger to the public. New firework caused severe eye injuries at a public display | The BMJ
Consumer Awareness of Low-Noise Fireworks
Despite the availability of low-noise fireworks, many consumers remain unaware of their benefits. A recent independent survey conducted by Consumer Survey polled 2,000 UK adults about their knowledge and engagement with low-noise fireworks. The results were telling:
These statistics highlight the need for increased public awareness and education on low-noise alternatives. Not only do they offer a more considerate option for animal welfare, but they also provide a solution for individuals who may otherwise feel excluded from celebrations due to anxiety around loud noises.
Low-Noise Fireworks and Drone Shows: The Responsible Choice
Switching to low-noise fireworks or even drones is a powerful way to enjoy festive displays without compromising animal welfare and public safety. Low-noise fireworks produce similar visual effects without the explosive sounds that traditional fireworks generate, making them ideal for areas with high populations of animals or elderly residents. Similarly, drone light shows have gained popularity worldwide as an innovative and environmentally friendly alternative. These displays can create stunning visuals without producing any noise, entirely eliminating the risk to animals and people sensitive to loud sounds.
Cities like Collecchio in Italy and Banbridge in Northern Ireland have already taken steps to limit traditional fireworks in favour of low-noise versions. These proactive measures not only protect local wildlife and pets but also demonstrate a responsible approach to public celebrations. Such restrictions could serve as a model for other cities and countries looking to minimize the negative impact of fireworks on their communities.
Policy Recommendations: Age Restrictions and Sale Regulations
Given the risks associated with traditional fireworks, many advocates argue that stricter regulations are necessary. One key proposal is raising the minimum age for purchasing fireworks to 25 years. Young people, often inexperienced with handling fireworks safely, are responsible for a disproportionate number of injuries each year. By limiting sales to those over 25, authorities could reduce misuse and encourage more responsible use.
Additionally, many experts recommend restricting fireworks sales to licensed businesses or organizations, rather than allowing individual sales. This would prevent unauthorized fireworks displays in residential areas, helping to protect both public safety and animal welfare. A law prohibiting the sale of fireworks to individuals under 25 and restricting sales to organizations could reduce the volume of fireworks incidents that emergency services currently face each year.
Conclusion: Toward a More Mindful Celebration
As fireworks season approaches, it’s essential to balance the tradition of vibrant displays with consideration for animals and people sensitive to loud noises. Public awareness, stricter regulations, and the promotion of low-noise fireworks and drone shows are crucial steps toward more inclusive and considerate celebrations. The Consumer Survey data highlights that while many people are unaware of these alternatives, there is growing interest in more responsible choices. Through education and responsible policies, communities can enjoy celebrations without compromising the well-being of animals and sensitive individuals.
Further Reading:
- Police say ‘we know who you are’ after youths set off firework in Aldi among shoppers
- ‘Smoke grenade’ attack on Aldi follows ‘Viking axe’ hacking of Halloween display
- 10 Latest Firework Injury Statistics & Facts (2024 UK)
- Firework safety – RoSPA
- Firework filmed striking home causing major damage as couple narrowly escape injury – World News – Mirror Online
- Fireworks can cause ‘life-changing injuries if used carelessly’ says fire chief – The Edinburgh Reporter
