Should sales of fireworks for domestic use be banned to protect wildlife and pets?
Sales of consumer fireworks (categories F1, F2 and F3) to the general public for domestic use are currently legal in the UK during set seasonal periods or year-round from licensed retailers, with a maximum permitted noise level of 120 decibels. A government consultation launched in July 2026 proposes restricting the loudest fireworks to professional displays only to reduce distress to pets, livestock and wildlife, and remains open until 7 October 2026. Animal welfare groups such as OneKind, the RSPCA and Cats Protection argue this does not go far enough and call for ending all public sales.
4 Opinions
Pets and wildlife are always affected, and some always die. Perhaps it's time we put aside childish things and had public displays only.
I have a dog and live in London. I've lost count of the times neighbours have decided on impromptu firework displays. (Once, bizarrely, several hours before sunset...) Dog no longer hides or heckles, but sits on his bed, dental stick in the corner of his mouth giving "Grizzled Sergeant in war film" vibes. I digress.. The answer, as it often is, is not creating new laws, but the enforcement of existing ones. Worst cases I've experienced were illegal under existing laws.
Restrictions on the largest and loudest should be sufficient. Families should be able to continue to buy fireworks for personal displays.
“Responsible domestic use” doesn’t exist. Roving mobs of kids armed with explosives cause a nightmare every year.