Guide dogs 'cannot go outside' when fireworks are going off, Labour MP says

Guide dog users are left unable to venture outdoors when fireworks are set off, according to MP Sarah Owen. The Labour representative for Luton North proposed a ban on the sale of fireworks louder than 90 decibels to the general public as part of the Fireworks Bill.

However, MPs ran out of time to agree on it in the Commons last Friday. Ms Owen's private member’s Bill aims to target "nuisance, loud fireworks". She told fellow MPs: "This is having a detrimental impact on not just our environment, not just on people’s mental health, but also on education as well."

She added that groups across Luton North and nationwide reported that this year was possibly the worst for fireworks in terms of loudness, frequency, and antisocial use. Under current regulations, the public cannot purchase fireworks louder than 120 decibels. Ms Owen commented: "Now I’m loud, but that is as loud as a rock concert, and any member of the public can go ahead and buy something that loud."

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She highlighted that the explosions were particularly distressing for non-verbal autistic children and young people, especially during the night. After speaking with some parents, she noted: "they did say that it’s the sporadic nature of these fireworks which is causing distress, where they cannot plan in advance, where they cannot prepare young people and neurodiverse people for this barrage of noise".

Conservative shadow environment minister Dr Neil Hudson, who has a veterinary background, referenced the harmful impacts of fireworks on animals, recounting "cowering pets, pets that go missing, but then also farm animal livestock or horses that bolt and cause themselves horrific injuries". Ms Owen highlighted the inadequacy of suggesting better pet training as a solution to issues caused by fireworks: "Some of the fireworks lobby have said, ‘well, you need to train your pets better, you need to train your dogs better’".

She underscored the seriousness of the matter by adding, "You can’t get better trained than a guide dog, and yet I spoke to guide dog users and they’ve told me that it impacts them so much that they cannot go outside when fireworks are going off."

The debate over the Fireworks Bill has been postponed until April 25. This bill is one of several new proposed laws awaiting rescheduling.

Also being delayed is David Reed, the Conservative MP for Exmouth and Exeter East's Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill. Aimed at prohibiting the import of hunting trophies from abroad into the UK, this piece of legislation has been deferred to June 13.

Reacting to the delays, Edith Kabesiime, World Animal Protection Africa wildlife campaign manager, expressed her frustration: "It is truly disappointing that this important legislation has not progressed in Parliament today."

She condemned trophy hunting, saying, "Trophy hunting is nothing but an opportunity for a cruel and wealthy few to murder our native wildlife for their own vile entertainment."

Continuing her critique, she called for action, "Banning the import into Great Britain of these sick souvenirs, which are the body parts of our incredible wild animals, must happen. It is simply the right thing to do. Our wildlife must be protected."

The Chalk Streams (Protection) Bill, proposed by Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Green for Chesham and Amersham, is set to be re-listed for March 28. The bill aims to provide enhanced environmental protections, including pollution control, for the waterways that stretch across England from Norfolk to Hampshire.