Should fireworks be banned? Mirror readers have their say on Bonfire night celebrations

Should fireworks be banned? Mirror readers have their say on Bonfire night celebrations As police and firefighters around UK brace for Bonfire Night, debate is raging about the future of fireworks as millions prepare to put on a sky show this evening Fireworks are about to light up the skies across the UK as people begin their Bonfire Night celebrations. Yet while the vibrant displays may be a highlight for many, they can swiftly become a source of irritation for neighbours, particularly when they carry on well into the night. But annoyance is only part of the problem. Police officers will tonight be embedded in fire stations and will travel with crews to tackle potential attacks on firefighters following growing unrest in recent years. Emergency services are urging residents to behave responsibly after a rise in firework-related anti-social behaviour and attacks last November. It's far from the only consideration. A fifth of pet owners believe fireworks ought to be banned, while 58 per cent would like them restricted to organised public displays. With calls to restrict and even ban fireworks, we are asking Mirror readers if it is time to call an end to the tradition - or if those who complain about the displays should just lighten up. About 20 million Brits enjoy fireworks at home every year, according to industry figures. But many are understandably concerned about their animals and a survey of 2,000 dog, cat and horse owners revealed that 53 per cent support tougher penalties for firework misuse, with the same proportion backing the introduction of quieter fireworks. More than three quarters believe occasions such as Halloween, Bonfire Night and New Year's Eve as the most stressful periods of the year for their pets. A poll conducted for the RSPCA found that most people were in favour of replacing fireworks with safer alternatives. Carrie Stones, campaigns manager at the RSPCA, said: “We understand that many people enjoy fireworks, but we can’t hide the fact that many animals find fireworks deeply distressing and some end up injured or even lose their lives. "We have campaigned for many years urging the UK Government to revise fireworks regulations - ensuring they can be enjoyed responsibly, while better protecting animals." According to the RSPCA, during the fireworks season, 67% of respondents to their impact reporting survey highlighted that private back yard displays were the cause of their animals fear response. They said: "Fireworks can produce a sound between 120-175 decibels (db). Dogs and cats ears are more sensitive and can hear sounds much further away than humans. "Sounds over 85 dB can damage a humans hearing, while sounds over 140 dB can cause immediate damage and pain. It’s well known that animals have more sensitive hearing than humans in both frequency and volume. "Animals such as dogs and horses can suffer from tinnitus, hearing loss and long-term hearing damage caused by fireworks, as well as experiencing stress and fear. Similarly, livestock such as horses often try to escape the bangs out of fear, sometimes injuring themselves in the process." The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has called on people to attend professionally organised fireworks displays wherever possible. The organisation has highlighted the danger of serious injuries, particularly among children, and urged households to consider carefully before staging displays at home. Becky Guy, senior policy manager at RoSPA, said: "Bonfire Night should be a time for families and communities to come together safely, but these latest figures show that far too many people are still suffering serious injuries from fireworks. "Particularly worrying is the increase in the number of children being admitted to hospital. Fireworks are not toys.