Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

…to ask why you still buy fireworks

114 replies

xolotl · 13/11/2024 18:29

https://mailchi.mp/58291132e1c5/red-panda-update-from-edinburgh-zoo-5799234

From the email:

”Very sadly, she choked on her vomit on bonfire night and our vets believe this was probably a reaction to fireworks. Roxie had access to her den but the frightening noises seem to have been too much for her. We are also concerned that fireworks cause stress to other animals in the zoo.

Fireworks can cause fear and distress for pets, livestock and animals in zoos, so it is essential that the UK government tightens restrictions. We support calls from animal welfare charities to ban the sale of fireworks to the public, with only light displays being permitted at organised events.”

OP posts:
Grooch · 13/11/2024 19:15

Because it’s really fun. I’m not in favour of regulating all risk out of existence, because it also means you end up in a lifeless, humourless, fun-less society. Fireworks are a few nights a year and the harm to animals overall is actually minimal.

Incidentally, motorways are about a million times worse for wildlife (and actually they’re pretty terrible for humans and the planet), but no one is proposing to get rid of them. Banning fireworks is just fiddling while Rome burns.

BillPurchase · 13/11/2024 19:09

Because I have a childlike love for fire and bangs. They are fun. You get to legally play with explosives.

Shame you couldnt just ask the question without an irrelevant news story.

hollyjolly12 · 13/11/2024 19:06

Nic834 · 13/11/2024 18:42

petition.parliament.uk/petitions/700013

Thank you for linking this, I have just signed.

frockandcrocs · 13/11/2024 19:01

Tina159 · 13/11/2024 18:59

That's so sad. What i don't understand is that they say she had access to her den - but why didn't they shut her in knowing it was bonfire night? I would have thought they would shut all the animals in overnight during this period.

When I had horses, we kept ours out. Better they bomb around a secure field than incur themselves trying to jump out of a stable (happened previously, horse had to be PTS).

Tina159 · 13/11/2024 18:59

That's so sad. What i don't understand is that they say she had access to her den - but why didn't they shut her in knowing it was bonfire night? I would have thought they would shut all the animals in overnight during this period.

Wellbeige · 13/11/2024 18:54

Oh goodness that’s so sad.

I think it’s a case of knowing better now. I would love private sales to be banned. At least with organised displays you can make plans.

I have 3 dogs. One of them shakes and gets in a state. The others aren’t bothered.

it’s heartbreaking knowing the harm they can do (also Chinese lanterns/helium balloons)

it’s only humans who wilfully destroy habitat as some kind of birth right.

SometimesCalmPerson · 13/11/2024 18:49

This is a sad story, but there’s more than one reason why there shouldn’t be pandas in Edinburgh in the first place.

Zoos are controversial so I’m not sure they can be used as a strong argument in a debate that’s already divisive.

Nic834 · 13/11/2024 18:42

petition.parliament.uk/petitions/700013

ColaCar · 13/11/2024 18:38

Because I like them.

mitogoshigg · 13/11/2024 18:37

I don't buy them nor go to displays but fireworks aren't new, they have been around longer than the zoo

MagicSteaks · 13/11/2024 18:36

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

Newdaynewstarts · 13/11/2024 18:34

How long has the zoo been open?
Something will always upset someone. Whilst I agree it’s sad. Are you seriously saying we should ban fireworks as a reasonable response to this piece of sad news.

Farfromthemaddingbrows · 13/11/2024 18:33

I don’t buy fireworks.

Circumferences · 13/11/2024 18:32

Poor panda. That's very sad.

Perhaps I agree with no fireworks right next to a zoo.

But not for the rest of us don't be daft.

Swipe left for the next trending thread