Sarah Owen, the Member of Parliament for Luton North, has introduced a new legislative proposal aimed at protecting animals from the irresponsible use of fireworks.
This initiative is part of a broader push for animal welfare laws in the UK Parliament, where MPs are addressing various concerns related to the wellbeing of pets and wildlife.
Owen’s proposed legislation seeks to introduce tighter controls on fireworks, including limiting their sale, reducing noise levels, and establishing firework control zones. The goal is to mitigate the negative impact that fireworks can have on pets, wildlife, and farm animals, as well as on people affected by loud noises, such as those with PTSD. The MP describes the current regulations around fireworks as outdated and in need of reform.
Fireworks Law Long Overdue, Says Owen
“Change to firework law is long-overdue,” said Sarah Owen. “It is not right that extremely loud fireworks can be purchased year-round by the public, disrupting the lives of people and animals.” Owen noted that she has received numerous complaints from residents who are frustrated by the constant noise, which often causes distress to pets and disrupts people’s lives.
Owen joins two other MPs, Ruth Jones (Lab, Newport West and Islwyn) and Danny Chambers (Lib Dem, Winchester), who are bringing forward separate animal welfare laws as Private Members’ Bills. These new legislative proposals also include plans to ban the import of fur and tackle the smuggling of puppies, kittens, and ferrets. The focus on animal welfare in these bills highlights a growing recognition of the need for legal reforms in this area.
Animal Welfare Takes Centre Stage in Parliament
The focus on animal welfare in Parliament has been welcomed by organisations like the RSPCA, which has praised MPs for taking steps to drive positive change. David Bowles, Head of Public Affairs at the RSPCA, said: “It’s great to see Members of the new Parliament prioritising animal welfare, and using this opportunity to push proposals that could make a real difference for animals.”
Bowles also pointed out that a significant majority of the public – 84% – believe that governments should protect animal welfare through legislation. He expressed hope that these new proposals would help create a kinder world for animals, especially in areas like fireworks regulation, fur imports, and pet smuggling.
Growing Support for Fireworks Reform
The proposed changes to fireworks legislation are part of a broader movement to address the impact of fireworks on communities and animals. Sarah Owen’s bill would aim to reduce the sale of high-noise fireworks and limit their use to specific times of the year, making it easier to predict and manage their impact. The RSPCA has also launched initiatives to encourage responsible fireworks use, including their ‘Kind Sparks’ campaign, which promotes positive conversations between neighbours regarding local fireworks displays.
The charity has also developed an interactive map to show the number of animals affected by local fireworks displays. According to this map, within a six-mile radius of Sarah Owen’s constituency office in Luton, an estimated 3,537 cats and 4,057 dogs would be impacted by a noisy fireworks display, illustrating the significant toll such events can have on pets.
Other Animal Welfare Proposals
In addition to fireworks reform, other animal welfare issues are being addressed by MPs. Ruth Jones, MP for Newport West and Islwyn, is pushing for a ban on the import of fur, while Danny Chambers, MP for Winchester, is proposing legislation to combat the smuggling of puppies, kittens, and ferrets. These proposals reflect a concerted effort in Parliament to enhance animal protection laws across the UK.
David Bowles from the RSPCA highlighted the significance of these efforts: “Our legislative framework in this area is long due an update, so it’s really welcome to see this being looked at via a Private Members’ Bill.”
