The Head of Housing and
Community Services introduced the report and outlined the current
RSPCA campaign, whereby local authorities had been lobbied to
support the campaign to reduce the negative impact of the noise
generated on pets and vulnerable people. It was noted that Kent
County Council’s trading standards were responsible for the
sale of fireworks.
The Committee expressed support
for the campaign and referenced the negative impact of fireworks.
The advisory nature of the Safety Advisory Group (SAG) was
highlighted but it was confirmed that some insurers and the civil
aviation authority, would not provide insurance for an event that
disregarded the SAG’s advice. Government legislation would be
necessary to set a noise level limit on fireworks.
RESOLVED: That
1.
Public firework display providers be encouraged,
through the Councils’ SAG process, to advertise in advance of
their events to allow residents to take precautions for their
animals and vulnerable people;
2.
A public awareness campaign be promoted at relevant
points in the year, about the impact of fireworks on animal welfare
and vulnerable people, including the precaution that can be taken
to mitigate risks;
3.
The Council write to the UK Government urging them
to introduce legislation to limit the maximum noise level of
fireworks to 90dB for those sold to the public for private
displays; and
4.
The Council write to KCC urging them to encourage
local suppliers of fireworks to stock quieter fireworks for public
displays.