More than 100,000 people have signed a petition launched by a Lincolnshire horse owner calling for the public to be permitted to use fireworks only on traditional celebration dates.
Julie Doorne launched the campaign last October after her three horses were “in great distress” when fireworks went off at a nearby wedding party.
The petition, on the government website, hit the 100,000 figure last Tuesday (22 March) and Ms Doorne hopes to have another 4,000 signatures by the time it closes at midnight tonight (2 April).
Any petition that reaches the 100,000 milestone stands a chance of being debated by parliament.
“We are really hoping the government will understand the problem and debate the issues,” Ms Doorne told H&H.
“People are not being malicious, but they don’t understand the effects they are having.”
Ms Doorne said the petition has been organised via social media, with helpers working to promote it and gather information.
“I have been overwhelmed by the number of people who have helped me,” she said.
The petition is calling for the Firework Regulations 2004 law to be amended to restrict the use of fireworks by the general public to the traditional dates around Guy Fawkes’ Night, New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year celebrations.
“All we are asking is for an amendment to the current law,” said Ms Doorne.
Related articles:
- Horse owners call for a restriction on fireworks
- 14 top tips to help horses cope with fireworks
- Matt Jenkins’ dressage blog: Fireworks time again
Next week MPs are being sent a summary of the FAB (Firework Abatement) Firework Campaign report outlining all the information collected over the last six months.
“We want people to write to their MPs highlight there is a problem,” Ms Doorne added.
The government’s response to the petition states: “We are aware that fireworks can cause distress to animals. Restrictions on the general public’s use of fireworks, and permitted noise levels, already exist and we have no plans to extend them.”
