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MPs to debate petition calling for ban on general sale of fireworks
The petition sites the injury and stress that fireworks cause for wildlife and animals as a major reason for a nationwide ban.

Online fireworks petition gains more than 305,000 signatures

The UK government has confirmed that MPs from across the House of Commons will soon meet to debate a petition, relating to the sale of fireworks in the UK, which has gained considerable support.

The debate will take place on Monday 2 November and will be led by Tonia Antoniazzi MP (Gower), a member of the petitions committee. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy will send a minister to respond.

MPs will be debating e-petition 276425, which has received more than 305,000 signatures and calls for a ban on the general sale of fireworks to the public.

The petition states: “Every year more and more people, animals and wildlife get hurt by fireworks. It’s time something was [done] to stop this. There are enough organised firework groups around for us to still enjoy fireworks safely so please help me stop the needless sale of them to the public.”

“The noise from fireworks causes a great amount of fear, stress and anxiety in wild animals. Errant fireworks can also cause environmental damage though fires, and from the release of poisonous chemicals and particle-laden smoke, which is not just inhaled by wildlife, but contaminates the natural environment.”

The debate will be livestreamed online here and on the UK Parliament YouTube page. Both debate transcripts will be available here and you can follow the debate on Twitter with the hashtag #FireworksDebate.

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.