Hackney Council notes:
· Fireworks can be a source of significant problems, fear and distress for many animals. They can cause psychological distress and injuries as animals attempt to run away or hide from the noise.
· The noise generated by fireworks has been found to be the most common cause for fear responses in dogs. The loud and sudden noise can also be a trigger for PTSD-related symptoms in humans. The debris can also pose a hazard to other animals.
· The short-lived nature of firework noise can make it difficult for the police or local authority officers to pinpoint locations and take action.
· Fireworks can be a risk to public safety when lit in small garden spaces in which people of all ages including children can be injured and there is a risk to fire safety for private and public property.
· In October 2022, fireworks were let off into a large crowd of people at Stratford shopping centre. Over the years, there have been a number of incidents involving fireworks in Hackney including a two year old sustaining burns.
· Fireworks and sparklers are only permissible for purchase from registered sellers for private use on selected dates of the year including: 15th October to 10th November, between 26th to 31st December, 3 days before Diwali and 3 days before Chinese New Year. It is possible to purchase fireworks outside of the dates above but only from retailers with a specific licence.
· An estimated 200,000 sky lanterns are released every year in the UK. As the popularity of sky lanterns increases, so too does the risk to animals and the environment.
· Sky lanterns are a danger to animals, a fire risk, an aviation hazard and a litter nuisance. When ingested, sharp parts can cause internal bleeding in animals. Animals can become entangled in fallen lantern frames and suffer from injury or stress trying to free themselves, and sometimes starve to death from being trapped.
· In Wales, sky lantern releases are banned on council-owned land and property. In other countries, sky lantern release is considered environmentally irresponsible and classed as a crime. In England, although almost 200 councils have voluntarily banned sky lanterns on council-owned land, it remains legal to release paper lanterns.
Hackney Council therefore resolves:
· To require the advertisement of all public firework displays within the local authority boundaries well in advance of the event.
· To actively promote a public awareness campaign about the impact of fireworks on animal welfare and vulnerable people and measures to mitigate the risks. (As examples of possibilities: a public campaign of Rocket 'o'Clock having people fire them at the same time so the impact is shorter. It could even be a campaign on sharing food rather than sharing fireworks (The council may have other ideas and is not expected to use these examples if a better resolution is found)
· To encourage local firework suppliers to stock ‘quieter’ fireworks (less than 70 dB) for public and private display.
· To only use ‘quieter’ fireworks (less than 70 dB) in all council funded firework displays.
· To not issue special licences to retailers that allow them to sell fireworks outside the following dates: 15th October to 10th November, between 26th to 31st December, 3 days before Diwali and 3 days before Chinese New Year.
· To ban the release of sky lanterns on Hackney Council owned land and discourage their release anywhere in Hackney.
Hackney Council further resolves to write to the UK Government and urge it:
· To introduce legislation to limit the maximum noise level of fireworks to 70dB for those sold to the public for private display.
· To ban the release of sky lanterns on public and private land, in line with the Civil Aviation Authority to ensure public safety around airports.
Proposer: Cllr. Zoë Garbett
Seconder: Cllr. Alastair Binnie-Lubbock