Firework noise 'control' needed to protect animals

Farmers have called for better management of private fireworks displays after their frightened cattle damaged fences and injured themselves on barbed wire during past shows.

Ross Follett said he would use "the best part of a day" to move 350 cows into a barn because he did not want to risk a repeat of his herd "running wild" and getting hurt.

Follett said more needed to be done about private fireworks, which comes as the National Farmers' Union (NFU) called for tougher regulation, the development of quieter fireworks and advance notice of displays.

A government spokesperson said it was assessing feedback to a consultation on fireworks.

Follett said he had needed to treat cuts sustained by his herd in Berwick Saint John, after a large firework display.

"They're not used to it, all the lights and banging...they don't know what to do," he said.

The Wiltshire farmer added he would only bring his herd in for the weekend as the dry summer meant straw supplies were low and grass grazing was a bonus.

Tisbury dairy farmer Peter Shallcross said he was also concerned about fireworks panicking his cattle as it could cause them to "stampede, run through fences, damage farm equipment and damage themselves".

"I think we need greater public awareness so these ad hoc displays don't happen or, if they do, they are managed much more professionally - the private ones are completely uncontrolled," he said.

"I think you've got to balance it. A lot of people enjoy the big bangs of the fireworks. I enjoy going to see a display, but there's probably a place for more lasers," Shallcross added.

• Reduced noise levels, encouraging the development of quieter fireworks

• Advance notification of private as well as public displays

• Recognition of both animal welfare risk and fire risk to standing crops, straw and farm buildings

• A balanced, risk-based approach to protect rural businesses and traditional celebrations - the NFU does not support an outright ban on consumer fireworks

An NFU spokesperson said it wanted the government to ensure any future regulations "explicitly consider the welfare of farm animals" and the risks faced by agricultural businesses.

The government said it was assessing feedback on a consultation on fireworks which ended earlier in the month.

A spokesperson added: "We know loud fireworks can have a real impact on farmers and their livestock.

"That's why we've launched a campaign encouraging people to consider the impact fireworks can have on those around them.

"We are also looking at limiting the sale of the loudest fireworks to consumers and banning any additional high-risk products from public sale to protect pets and wildlife."

Abi and Gavin Atterton, who farm 1,000 ewes near Wilton, said they had often "gone and stood with the animals" during firework displays to keep an eye on them.

The couple said the biggest issue they had experienced was with one of their working collie dogs, who was just one week away from giving birth during a large private firework display.

"She actually clawed herself out of a kennel and ripped the hinges off the door coming out, bearing in mind she was eight weeks pregnant...thankfully, she was OK and the pups were fine, but she was petrified," Gavin said.

"I've got no problem with people celebrating weddings, birthdays, but it's just when it comes from nowhere and nobody knows anything about it," he added.

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