Government has no plans to ban private fireworks despite pleas from animal welfare advocates
Monday, 2 November 2020
Wellington and Auckland zoos, the SPCA and the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals have each renewed calls for bans as Guy Fawkes approaches.
PETA has written to Environment Minister David Parker, demanding the Government ban the recreational use of fireworks, urging the country to enjoy silent fireworks instead.
“Explosives detonated in suburban backyards terrify wild animals and can cause birds to fly into objects – or even abandon their nests and young,” the letter read.
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“Companion animals are also at risk, as the terrifying sounds may cause them to panic and flee their homes, sometimes jumping over fences or through glass windows in order to get away from the noise.”
A spokesperson for Parker said the minister’s position on the fireworks law has not changed.
“He believes the amendment changes in 2007 have noticeably decreased fireworks-related injuries and property damage,” the spokesperson said.
In 2007, the Hazardous Substances (Fireworks) Regulations were amended to raise the legal age of purchase from 14 to 18 years, reduce the retail sales period for fireworks to four days each year (from November 2 to 5), and to reduce the explosive content and noise levels of retail fireworks.
In August, a parliamentary select committee decided to leave regulations as they are.
However, animal welfare groups continue to call for a ban.
Wellington Zoo Conservation Fund marketing and communications advisor Ash Howell said backyard fireworks were outdated.
“Animals do not understand the role of fireworks in human enjoyment,” she said.
Last year an antelope died at the zoo from “high levels” of stress – likely due to fireworks and a nearby scrub fire.
SPCA Wellington Centre manager Megan Sewell has long called for a ban on the private use of fireworks.
“Every year we receive calls across the country relating to fireworks, including animal injuries, frightened animals, missing pets, and occasionally the abuse of animals,” she said.
Auckland Zoo director Kevin Buley said planned public displays within a confined area that met all safety criteria were a better way for everyone to celebrate and still enjoy the spectacle of fireworks.
“We believe it’s absolutely the right thing for the Government to go ahead and implement this ban, and we would really like to see this happen quickly.”
Buley also believed silent fireworks should replace conventional fireworks.
“Silent or drone fireworks can be equally or even more stunning, but don’t create the explosive noises that traditional fireworks do.”
With Guy Fawkes days away, animal care groups are preparing.
Auckland Zoo keeps some of their African species, which are particularly sensitive, in their dens overnight for the duration of Guy Fawkes week. These animals include giraffes, ostriches, nyalas and waterbucks.
“Normally, at this time of year with warm spring weather, the animals have a choice whether they’d like to be in or outside,” Bulley said.
“Auckland Zoo is always extra vigilant at this time.”
Wellington Zoo will also take similar precautionary measures.
“We prepare as much as we can, but we cannot predict every choice an animal will make in this heightened situation for them,” Howell said.
- There has been no public display in Wellington for Guy Fawkes since it was decided to switch it to Matariki. This year, a fireworks display had initially been planned for Diwali, the Indian festival of lights, on October 25 but weather has led to the display being postponed to the middle of November.