Issue - meetings

On a motion from Councillor Karen Warrington, seconded by Councillor Vic Pritchard, it was

RESOLVED that

Council recognises:

1.  The unpredictable, loud and high intensity noises that many fireworks make can cause fear and distress to animals.

2.  That debris produced by fireworks, if found on the ground, can pose a hazard to animals such as horses and farm livestock.

3.  That noise from fireworks can make it difficult for the police or local authority officers to pinpoint locations and take actions.

4.  That the RSPCA believes there is a real need to raise awareness among owners of animals about phobia of fireworks.

Council therefore resolves:

5.  To recommend that all public firework displays within the local authority boundaries be advertised in advance of the event, allowing residents to take precautions for their animals and vulnerable people.

6.  Actively to promote a public awareness campaign about the impact of fireworks on animal welfare and vulnerable people in the lead up to relevant celebrations and cultural events through existing council communication channels.

7.  To write to the Local Government Association to lobby for a limit to the maximum noise level of fireworks to 90dB for those sold to the public for private displays.

8.  To encourage local suppliers of fireworks to stock quieter fireworks for public display.

On a motion from Councillor Alan Hale, seconded by Councillor Paul May it was

RESOLVED to recommend to Council on 18^th November 2021 that

Council recognises:

1.  The unpredictable, loud and high intensity noises that many fireworks make can cause fear and distress to animals.

2.  That debris produced by fireworks, if found on the ground, can pose a hazard to animals such as horses and farm livestock.

3.  That noise from fireworks can make it difficult for the police or local authority officers to pinpoint locations and take actions.

4.  That the RSPCA believes there is a real need to raise awareness among owners of animals about phobia of fireworks.

Council therefore resolves:

5.  To recommend that all public firework displays within the local authority boundaries be advertised in advance of the event, allowing residents to take precautions for their animals and vulnerable people.

6.  Actively to promote a public awareness campaign about the impact of fireworks on animal welfare and vulnerable people in the lead up to relevant celebrations and cultural events through existing council communication channels.

7.  To write to the Local Government Association to lobby for a limit to the maximum noise level of fireworks to 90dB for those sold to the public for private displays.

8.  To encourage local suppliers of fireworks to stock quieter fireworks for public display.

[Notes;

1.  Councillor Hale had moved two further recommendations calling for reports back on progress and completion of actions to May and September 2022 Council meetings.  A minor variation to wording to remove these extra recommendations was proposed by Councillor Richard Samuel, supported by Councillor Manda Rigby, and accepted by Councillor Hale, following assurances given during debate that the actions at resolutions 5 – 8 would be fulfilled.]