“I was made aware of a family who, devastatingly, had their beloved dog put down after suffering a stroke from such severe anxiety over several nights of relentless fireworks. The pain that family has gone through is unimaginable. Sadly, that is not an isolated case. Year after year, we hear similar heartbreaking stories from people whose pets are terrified, disorientated, and in some cases, fatally affected.

“It is also vital to understand that these fireworks have a human toll. For many veterans, first responders, or anyone living with trauma or heightened sensitivity to noise, fireworks can trigger panic attacks, flashbacks, and extreme emotional distress. These are people who often already struggle with daily challenges. The unpredictability and intensity of fireworks make this time of year deeply distressing.

“What has become abundantly clear is that the Explosives (Fireworks) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2002 is no longer fit for purpose. These rules were written for a very different time, before heavy duty fireworks were so easily available and before we saw the kind of large scale disruption that has become all too common today across many communities. The legislation has simply not kept pace with the realities of the changing nature of fireworks and must be reviewed.

“This is not about stopping people from celebrating responsibly; it’s about protecting the vulnerable, safeguarding our animals, and ensuring our communities can enjoy festivities safely and with respect for others.

“This issue touches almost every home in Northern Ireland in some way. Whether it’s an elderly neighbour frightened by unexpected explosions, a veteran struggling with flashbacks, or a family comforting a terrified pet, the effects are real and evident. It’s time for some common sense thinking and proper regulation.”