... to be irritated by pet owners going on about fireworks given the impact that people having pets has on society and the environment?

[Kallyderon]

It's just about time for the annual whingefest about people setting off fireworks to start and it's boring. If you own a domestic animal then your animal impacts on people around you all year round in terms of waste, meat production, safety, sanitation and noise. It also impacts on wildlife.

Given that, and given that no one is obliged to own another living creature, it's a bit much to expect all the other humans around you to refrain from doing something they enjoy because it might make your dog unhappy.

Tbh there are sound environmental reasons for opposition to fireworks but they don't do even half as much damage to wild creatures and their habitats as the average cat or dog, so that's a moot point anyway and obviously not of great concern to you otherwise you wouldn't own a dog.

So AIBU to say give it a rest?

I love firework displays but in getting a dog I made the decision that I won’t be attending firework displays now. What I don’t like, is that fireworks can be bought so easily by the public. That they are bought for domestic parties with people who spend all day socialising (drinking) and then think it’s a fantastic idea to light fireworks in fucking dense living environments or pointed at trees. I hate that people set them off for weeks before bonfire night. That people who buy them, store them to use for birthdays in the year. I hate that teenagers buy them and think it’s funny to set them off at each other or other people. The fire service and hospitals aren’t kept busy with people from organised displays, they’re kept busy with the general public.

They’re dangerous and should be treated as such. It should not be ok to have fucking sparklers at wedding when people have been drinking all day - from experience of being at two weddings with sparklers and coming away amazed that the worst that happened was DH ruined his shoes and I got a spark down my cleavage. By having them at organised events only, you can ensure the safety of everyone, ensure all animal owners are prepared and make accommodations for their animals and that service personnel with PTSD have prior warning. It’s ridiculous that you can go in a supermarket and whilst picking up a loaf of bread you can also pick up a box of explosions.

I hope you never need the services of a dog @Kallyderon.

Dogs aren’t just pets, they work for us in so many different ways; guide dogs, dogs for the deaf/disabled, police dogs, army dogs, guard dogs, hospital visiting dogs, seizure/medical assistance dogs, I’m sure there are more. Yes no one is obliged to own a living creature but many Of us rely on these animals to protect us. The best we can do is return the favour.

Re the unrelated whataboutery

People objecting to fireworks on safety/environmental/well being grounds = legitimate

People objecting to fireworks because it makes Tiddles cry: not legitimate

I’ll keep the dog thanks considering the positive impact he’s had on my autistic son.

Yeah because the production of, shipping of, and letting off of fireworks is all so environmental friendly.

I agree with OP.

Me and my kids are subjected to barking dogs all year round.

Cats shit in our garden.

Dogs chase the kids when we are out for a walk or the kids are riding their bikes.

Granted we live in a “residential area” so I get that dogs and cats in the country might not cause such issues.

In general I would say pet owners are selfish and expect the rest of the world to accommodate them.

Unless it’s for an organised display, fireworks shouldn’t be allowed. You see too many negative stories about them every year

I think you're a bit spiteful. People love their pets and it's sad to see them in distress. If you think anyone owns a cat, you haven't a clue.

Every fucking year a month of fireworks,which is what happens because the general public can get hold of them,and it’s the number one toy for the yoof dickheads to obtain and throw or set off in alleyways to cause the most noise and disturbance.
Ban the Fookers except for organised displays

Yeah because the production of, shipping of, and letting off of fireworks is all so environmental friendly.

Less so than the production of, shipping etc of pet food?

If you don't have any sympathy for the animals what about the men and women that developed PTSD fighting for their country and as a result find the noise extremely distressing?

IMO opinion they shouldn't be sold to the public as they regularly get in to the wrong hands. They're explosives FFS. Groups of kids are forever chucking lit fireworks at people round my way. They even through one at a blind lady and her guide dog last year

Plus leads and collars. Those cat post things, dog chews, plastic bowls, flea treatments, medicines,

*threw FFS (hangs head in shame)

YABU & weird

It doesnt need to send a shiver down your spine to see someone say they dont love animals? Its ok for people to not particually like animals isnt it?

Cats and dogs are antisocial eg, cats go into other people gardens unwanted, some go into houses if doors left opened, ruin plants, leave cat poo.
Dogs equally antisocial too, barking, running over and scaring people, dog poo, etc. Dogs attacking children etc

Kallyderon I don’t have pets but still hate fireworks! I wouldn’t mind if it was one night but when they go on for weeks it gets very boring. But I’m pleased you can afford to waste money on such an anti social activity as I would begrudge wasting that sort of money.

People objecting to fireworks on safety/environmental/well being grounds = legitimate

People objecting to fireworks because it makes Tiddles cry: not legitimate

Your opinion only, @Kallyderon

I hope you never need a guide dog.

I agree Op and I love having a dog.

I don’t agree with the anti fireworks thing though. I totally agree that some people behave in a anti social way with fireworks (in some places) but like smoking, sugar and all the other not great stuff we love, it’s a balance. Other people are perfectly capable of not having bonfire parties all week, throwing them at cars, letting them off in townetc.

Fireworks scare wild animals too. It's a shame that most humans only care about themselves and not other loving beings.

Can anyone give a good scientifically researched reason to let off explosive devices at any time anywhere without any training or risk assessment? Didn't think so.

Can anyone give good scientifically researched reasons to have assistance and companion animals? Yes, there are innumerable studies which show the benefits.

The only thing I would say is that I believe anyone who wants or needs a dog in their life should have a personal licence, similar to a driving licence, which cannot be granted until the prospective owner has passed a test similar to driving theory test about basic dog care, first aid, diet, and the laws and responsibilities of dog ownership. Obviously slightly tailored for disabled people and their assistance dogs.

I wish there were quiet/pretty fireworks displays for those who don't like huge bangs. Organised displays are too much for us so we have a few sparklers and hot dogs at home or my mums instead.

Thank you, OP.

Every year I have a small display in my garden that lasts about 45 minutes - not for me but for my daughter, who has Down's syndrome, who looks forward to it every year. I always let the neighbours know in advance.

And every year the usual whining dog owners get on the village website and try to outdo each other with their very offensive descriptions of people who have fireworks.

A couple of years ago there was even a post about how Hallowe'en scares dogs because of people knocking on the door.

All year I have to watch out for dog shit and listen to the local dogs barking. They can put up with my 45 minutes a year of fireworks (which after the abuse I got last year will be bigger and bangier this year).

I am not going to live my life around your neurotic dogs.

Wildlife
Farm animals
Babies
Autistic people, especially children
People suffering PTSD

Yeah. Sod them all for being so neurotic.

Or buy quiet fireworks and everyone can live and let live.

YANBU. We like to enjoy a few small fireworks and some sparklers in our garden with the DC and our friends & DC. I’m really looking forward to it this year. Our neighbours’ cats may not like it, but I don’t like them shitting on our driveway, so..

(The cats not our neighbours! )