To want fireworks banned from public sale?

[JellyDiamonds]

I'm not a killjoy, but I'm sitting here with a fucking terrified dog. He is not a dog who scares easily, but it sounds like the Blitz out there tonight I've got the TV turned up loud to drown out the sound, I've shut the curtains and he is still cowering in the corner. Not even the lure of a treat is bringing him out.

It's the same every year, selfish fuckers buying bombs to set off in their gardens with little consideration for neighbours with pets and young children. At least pets have shelter from it though, farm animals and wildlife don't.

In fact I hate the entire concept of bonfire night really. Burning a catholic on a bonfire. How is that still acceptable in 2014.

Just go to a public display and stop inflicting this noise on your neighbours please!

[tallulah]

When I was young you had fireworks on November 5th only. Didn't matter if it was a Tuesday or a Wednesday, it was the 5th. You knew to keep pets indoors and it was all over in one night.

This year we have had crashes and bangs every single evening this week. Like a PP said, why is it so late, too? It's dark by 5pm, so why leave it so late? It really isn't fair.

Last year our neighbours about 3 doors down started their display at 10.30pm. They haven't had it yet, so I'm hoping that means they won't.

[LaurieFairyCake]

Disagree, they're pretty and harmless in comparison to pretty much any other activity.

I used to have the tv on for the dog/cats but they've never noticed fireworks. So maybe you could put the tv on?

[Pasithea]

Laurier how can you say they are harmless.

[LaurieFairyCake]

I didn't say they were harmless. I said they were harmless in comparison.

I mean it's not like it's driving, cycling or horse riding. Or knitting.

[brimfullofasha]

Yanbu. I love proper public firework displays but they are at best a nuisance and worst extremely dangerous in the hands of amateurs.

[fruitloopsandfruitshoots]

Put the TV on?! We had the TV on full volume AND the radio last night, but dogs and cats have really sensitive hearing, it doesn't help a jot. Besides, how does that help wildlife and farm animals?

[Pasithea]

Eh. Driving cycling horse riding and knitting do not usually cause trauma damage and or injuries to inocent animals.

[LaurieFairyCake]

Many more animals are (obviously) injured by cars than fireworks

[Caboodle]

I agree that they do seem to be louder then when I was younger but I don't agree about people not having them in their gardens...organised displays are great but I've been to too many that have attracted yobs throwing their own fireworks around the edges of the crowd etc. The fireworks I buy are the fizzly rainbow type ones (we go all nostalgic and 'oooh' and 'aaah') and I know who's in my garden.
I'm a bit at the hatred directed at those of us who set them off in our gardens too. However, I will invite my neighbours and don't set them off late.
FWIW my Grandad used to not only set off fireworks but also start a fire in an old metal bin (the spuds from the ashes were lush).

[fruitloopsandfruitshoots]

Difference is though, cars are fundamental, whereas fireworks are not.

[Pasithea]

Horses rug was set alight by stray firework

[Pasithea]

Barn owl caught in Chinese lantern

[LaurieFairyCake]

Yes, Pasithea but you have now re read that I said in comparison

Which stands. Many more animals are injured by cars than fireworks. More people have knitting injuries than firework injuries.

They are legal and enjoyed by many.

Fine for people on this thread to not like them but plenty enjoy them too

[LaurieFairyCake]

Wonder how many barn owls have been hit by cars?

Perhaps it would be best to put it in perspective.

[sunflower49]

YANBU
I hate them, for animals' sakes, and for how dangerous they are, period.

[trixymalixy]

YANBU, I hate them outside of public displays.

[sunflower49]

I get the cars comparison, but cars are more or less a necessity for modern life.

Fireworks are not.

[SayraT]

I thought the horse in that picture was burned by a paper lantern not a firework? Another thing that should be banned/controlled.

I like fireworks but do agree that everyone and anyone being able to buy them is not ideal. I'm very lucky that my pets (cat and horses) are quite happy with fireworks and will stand and watch them.

[SanityClause]

Fireworks were illegal in Australia when I was growing up, except for public displays. So I have no sense of nostalgia for fireworks in the back garden. I do love public displays, though. So I think YANBU.

[LaurieFairyCake]

Neither is alcohol necessary.

Obviously many more deaths attributed to alcohol.

[GnomeDePlume]

I have to say that if you think the UK is bad then you should try the Netherlands on New Years Eve! There, fireworks are set off at midnight after an evening of steady drinking. No official displays just a years worth of bonhomie expressed in a single evening.

Happy days!

[LaurieFairyCake]

Thank goodness we don't only have what is necessary in life.

Wouldn't it be dull.

[MiniTheMinx]

And they are a waste of money, imagine people just setting light to wads of notes. Madness. Hate the bloody things.

[sunflower49]

I admit I'm slightly biased. I love animals and feel sorry for hedgehogs roasted live under bonfires where they've thought they've found a safe bed for the night, pet rabbits/guinea pigs etc outside and terrified, horses, wild animals frightened and in potential danger...

And aside from that, I bloody hate fireworks. I am not the biggest fan of bonfire night either.Standing around freezing my tits off to watch a very old invention and some sparkly things in the sky?I'd rather be on my sofa with a bottle of wine/mug of tea and good conversation.