SILENTSILE NIGHT (IF ONLY ..)

The irony of National Stress Awareness Day (November 4) being the day before Fireworks Night is never lost on me. It is such a stressful time for so many. And although it was the 5th yesterday, I’m sure the firework displays will continue for a few nights yet. I don’t have to remind you about the stress and danger some animals and pets are put under through their fear of the loud explosions, but it’s not just our beloved pets that suffer. Studies show that the oftenunexpected firework explosions affect wildlife, the elderly, PTSD sufferers and even children. Radio 2’s Zoe Ball recently admitted that her 11 year old daughter is still absolutely terrified of the noisy fireworks.

It has also been proven that birds have panic attacks, resulting in mass deaths, bees are disorientated and often leave their hives unable to return, and wild animals have abandoned their young; horses have run in panic through wire fences and dogs often escape and end up on dangerous roads, and have even had fear-based heart attacks. It’s horrendous – I can’t think of anything else that causes such distress and destruction that is still seen as ‘celebratory’.

And that’s why I am still campaigning for Silent (or Low Noise/Quiet) Fireworks – please sign and share the petition here.

www.lynneallbutt.co.uk/your-story or simply go to my website and click on Silent Fireworks Campaign.

The Welsh Assembly Government have told me that I need more than 10,000 signatures for it to be considered. They advised that it is actually probably more prudent to lobby local authorities to use silent/quiet fireworks for their displays and to encourage the public to do the same.

Wouldn’t it be fabulous to think Wales could be the first to lead the way with the silent or low-noise fireworks and show respect to our animals, wildlife, the elderly and veterans?