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Written question asked by Jim Cunningham (Labour) on Thursday, 31 October 2019, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 5 November 2019 (named day). It was answered by Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park (Conservative) on Tuesday, 5 November 2019 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.


Wildlife: Fireworks

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to protect wildlife from public and private firework displays.

Answer

The Government takes the matter of fireworks seriously. We understand the concerns that many people have about the potential for distress to be caused by fireworks to animals, including pets, livestock and wildlife. This is one of the reasons why there are existing laws in place to control firework availability and use by both the general public and professional display operators. Measures including age related restrictions, a curfew and a noise limit help to reduce disturbance to animals.

It is an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 to cause any unnecessary suffering to an animal that is under a person’s control. The maximum penalty for such an offence is 6 months’ imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
8199
Session
2019-19
Subjects
Fireworks Wildlife
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk