Plans in place to reduce risk to wildlife and pets
Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) are the latest council to back the RSPCA’s Bang Out of Order campaign, voting unanimously to work on reducing the negative impact of fireworks on animals.
The council backed plans to encourage the sale of lower decibel fireworks, as well as to arrange a public awareness campaign and ensure that all public firework displays in the area are advertised well in advance so that people can be better prepared for the sake of their animals.
Councillors will also contact the Welsh government, asking them to provide assistance and resources to further mitigate the risks that fireworks pose to animals and vulnerable people.
RCT council are the second council in Wales to vote for tighter restrictions on fireworks, following another unanimous vote from Neath Port Talbot council on 27 November 2019.
RSPCA public affairs adviser Lewis Clark commented: “It was great to see RCT Council become Wales’ second council in just a matter of hours to support measures which could make a real difference for animals facing a fireworks nightmare each year.
“We receive so many calls related to welfare concerns for animals connected to fireworks – so RCT Councillors have made a hugely important statement in unanimously backing this motion.”
Last year alone the RSPCA received 411 calls relating to animal welfare concerns during firework displays.
“Preparedness is so important,” continued Mr Clark, “and better advertising of displays and a public awareness campaign could make all the difference in ensuring people know what steps to take to keep pets and other animals safe, and when.
“By lobbying the Welsh Government, too, to utilise levers at their disposal - we hope we can make Wales a safer place for animals when fireworks are being set off; encouraging responsible use, better information and the promotion of lower-noise alternatives.”
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