By Julie Waters
THE council has backed the call for tougher enforcement action to regulate the use of fireworks after the ‘devastating’ death of two beloved family dogs at Halloween.
Green Party councillors Barry McKee and Lauren Kendall brought forward a three pronged notice of motion asking for the Department of Justice to carry out an ‘urgent review’ of the province’s fireworks legislation.
Councillors at the recent Active and Healthy Living committee, backed the move to write to the department in a bid to introduce stricter controls on the sale and importation of fireworks to licensed displays only.
They have also called for ‘enhanced’ PSNI and council enforcement powers to tackle illegal and anti-social firework use and establish Northern Ireland-wide time restrictions to protect animals and reduce unexpected noise.
Mr McKee explained the catalyst for the motion was the ‘devastating’ news that two much-loved family dogs in the borough died as a result of panic caused by fireworks.
The Bangor West councillor described the sudden loss of the pets as ‘devastating’ and on ‘behalf of this council I extend our sincere sympathies’ to the local families.
However Mr McKee said these tragic deaths reflected a wider problem in the borough, with increasing reports of ‘animals bolting from gardens in fear; horses and livestock injuring themselves and wildlife disrupted and disoriented’,
He also said that ‘vulnerable residents, children, older people, veterans, and those with sensory sensitivities, are left distressed or frightened by these sudden and unpredictable explosions’.
Mr McKee stressed the notice of motion was ‘not about stopping celebrations or joy’ but was about responsibility, predictability and the safety of ‘our community and our animals’.
He acknowledged that Northern Ireland has some of the strictest fireworks legislation in the United Kingdom but said illegal fireworks continued to circulate and anti-social behaviour spiked at Halloween every year.
Mr McKee said enforcement was ‘fragmented and the lived experience of our residents doesn’t reflect what the law promises on paper’. He said it was ‘vital’ the Policing Community and Safety Partnership ‘does all it can’ to support local communities affected by anti-social behaviour and fireworks misuse.
He paid tribute to the ‘tireless’ work of local animal welfare groups and volunteers who ‘comfort frightened pets and search for missing animals’ and wanted to send a ‘message to residents that we hear you and understand your distress and we are committed to meaningful action’.
Lauren Kendall, a Holywood and Clandeboye councillor, said fireworks affected people and animals in a ‘multitude of ways’ and highlighted the plight of one local family whose pet died as a result of fireworks.
She said: “A direct quote from the owner shows the effect on pets – ‘our beautiful dog of 11 years was killed by fireworks set off in September. Poor animals are petrified. It is so wrong’.”
Highlighting the negative effect of fireworks on people, in particular veterans and those with autism, she said the bangs can cause an ‘absolute uncontrollable sense of terror and panic’.
Reflecting public opinion, councillor Kendall said a YouGov poll commissioned by the Dogs Trust showed ‘powerful support for change’ in Northern Ireland; 95% supported licensed public displays only and 93% wanted date and time restrictions.
The poll results further showed that 83% of people surveyed cited pet distress as the chief issue, 70% favoured low-noise fireworks and 31% supported a full ban.
The councillor said it was clear that ‘more needs to be done’ and stated that in some areas of Italy noiseless fireworks were mandatory; the Netherlands also bans consumer fireworks in cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam, using professional low noise displays.
Ms Kendall said the motion was ‘not about being a killjoy but is about ensuring joy can be experienced by all without distress’ and ‘we would like to ensure Northern Ireland celebrates responsibly to protect people and animals’. Each committee decision must be ratified at a full council meeting at the end of the month.
