Banning firework sales to the public

Re: Banning firework sales to the public

Virginia Campbell — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 22:09:54 GMT

[quote user="KMurphy"] I see that Northern Ireland introduced licensing so perhaps that's the way forward. They recorded the lowest number of firework related injuries last year so that seems to be helping with that aspect of it at least. It must have some knock-on effect for the sound phobic animals too - any NI vets know if this is the case?[/quote]

Now you mention it, I handed Xanax out like smarties the past couple of years but think I only dished one lot out this year. Worked the late 31st and the 5th - we normally get at least one runaway handed in - none this year

Re: Banning firework sales to the public

Martin Atkinson — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 18:28:08 GMT

I see red star man has been on the forum again (both Bob's and my posts started with 5 stars and now have less). I assume that whoever downgraded them disagrees with our common opinion that most animal noise phobias are caused by human reaction. Whoever you are, perhaps you would like to explain why you disagree.

Re: Banning firework sales to the public

KMurphy — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 17:37:14 GMT

[quote user="Arlo Guthrie"]But you surely wouldn't deny someone the pleasure they get from something just because you think it's rubbish![/quote]

Oh, now that would be power!! The things that I would change... ;)

The fireworks thing is not a subject that's very dear to my heart. I have countless people come through the door that say they wish that fireworks were better controlled. I - it seems wrongly - assumed that other practices hear the same thing and that this petition would give these people a legitimate avenue to try and improve matters. I am personally in favour of tighter firework controls so I'm happy to support the petition.

Guess I'm in the minority so I suppose you won't need to worry about it too much :)

Re: Banning firework sales to the public

Arlo Guthrie — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 17:26:15 GMT

[quote user="KMurphy"]I love a good firework display but I think home displays are a bit rubbish really - sorry!! [/quote]

But you surely wouldn't deny someone the pleasure they get from something just because you think it's rubbish!

OK, so a public display will have bigger fireworks. But it's just not the same intimate family thing going to public firework display.

This year, my children were at our own 'bring a firework' party in our garden, which they really loved. Two nights later, we went to a public one, which they HATED.

[quote user="KMurphy"]Any idiot can go and buy fireworks. If we're lucky they injure only themselves.[/quote]

Yes, but any idiot can go and buy all sorts of dangerous things, I just don't think that's a reason for banning them (arguably quite the reverse )

Re: Banning firework sales to the public

KMurphy — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 15:38:49 GMT

[quote user="Arlo Guthrie"]Are you going to ban motor cars because of the number of drunk drivers on the road each Christmas? [/quote]

Not the same thing at all! Drunk drivers can be dealt with adequately by the law and there is at least an initial licensing process to determine a minimum level of ability to drive a car. Any idiot can go and buy fireworks. If we're lucky they injure only themselves.

Re: Banning firework sales to the public

Bob Russell — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 15:34:22 GMT

I believe 98% of noise phobias are related directly to owners behaviour. By educating owners how to behave to prevent phobias happening life can be made a lot less traumatic.

We dish out limited diazepam and lots of advice which is far more constructive than a firework ban!

Re: Banning firework sales to the public

KMurphy — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 15:33:03 GMT

My own dog is fine with fireworks but, despite all our best efforts, there are a lot of dogs out there that do not have a good time with them. Maybe a blanket ban isn't exactly what's needed - I see that Northern Ireland introduced licensing so perhaps that's the way forward. They recorded the lowest number of firework related injuries last year so that seems to be helping with that aspect of it at least. It must have some knock-on effect for the sound phobic animals too - any NI vets know if this is the case?

To at least have the subject considered for debate would be a start and then perhaps a happy medium can be found.

I love a good firework display but I think home displays are a bit rubbish really - sorry!! I do find them quite a nuisance just being let off at all times of night but maybe that's just because I live near a not-so-very-good part of town.

Re: Banning firework sales to the public

Martin Atkinson — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 14:09:16 GMT

I just wonder what you reasons are for wanting to ban the sales of fireworks. I confess to being a hypocrit over this: we always had fireworks and burning Guy Fawkes on November 5th as a child and I continued the tradition with my children but the older I get the more annoyed I am with others letting them off ad lib. I guess your motivation other than just being a killjoy is the effect they have on animals and I do appreciate this is a problem, not least with my own neighbour's dog which barks non-stop when fireworks are being let off but that is more the stupid owner's fault because he won't allow the dog indoors. Fireworks have been let off since time immemorial and I don't imagine animals are anymore frightened by them now than they ever were, it just does seem with a proliferation of the wealthy Asian population that their festivals create more of a problem. My pets have never had a problem with fireworks because we never created a problem, I believe 90% of animal fear is led by human reaction and we should be looking at better educating clients in the first place about how to avoid noise phobias than having knee-jerk bans. Perhaps regulation on the loudest fireworks may be a better bet but I can't honestly say I can support a blanket ban.

Re: Banning firework sales to the public

Francisco Gomez — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 13:52:05 GMT

Why EVERYTHING has to be banned or permitted? Why don't REGULATE things instead?

Apparently that is a bad idea too, it is what we call today 'red tape'...

Re: Banning firework sales to the public

Arlo Guthrie — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 13:50:04 GMT

PS. Nothing personal Karen. Just putting across the opposing view!

Re: Banning firework sales to the public

Arlo Guthrie — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 13:48:50 GMT

[quote user="KMurphy"]I haven't created the petition but it seems like a good one to support![/quote]

Noooooo, it's a dreadful petition to support. We live in a sanitised enough world already. This is a real 'bah humbug' petition. Lots of people, myself included, have a small fireworks party each year. We invite our neighbours from around the village. It brings people together. It's fun.

Sure there are people who misuse them. There are people who misuse lots of things without it being a reason to ban them. Are you going to ban motor cars because of the number of drunk drivers on the road each Christmas? Ban dog ownership because of the number of 'bad' owners?

I urge you NOT to sign this petition.