LOCAL residents are being asked to be considerate when setting off fireworks on Bonfire Night this year, to reduce the impact on animals in their community.

Loud and unexpected bangs from fireworks and smoke can distress pets, horses, livestock and other wildlife, and when left on the ground firework debris can also seriously harm animals.

Bath & North East Somerset Council is backing the RSPCA’s #BeAKindSpark campaign, which aims to raise awareness about the impact of fireworks on animals and calls for regulations to be changed to protect them.

Councillor Tim Ball, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services, said: “This year we will once again be supporting the RSPCA and their ‘Be A Kind Spark’ campaign. While we want people to celebrate Bonfire Night, it is important to show consideration for your neighbours who have pets, horses or livestock.

“Please be mindful of others when deciding how to celebrate and maybe consider attending an organised display instead of lighting your own fireworks to help reduce the impact of fireworks on animals and their owners and to keep yourself and others safe.”

In 2021, the council passed a motion brought by Councillor Alan Hale to recognise that noise from fireworks can cause fear and distress to animals and impact vulnerable people. The motion also agreed that the council should ask local suppliers to stock quieter fireworks and request that public displays are advertised in advance, so that residents can take precautions to avoid them.

Planned fireworks displays in B&NES include Illuminate the Skies at Bath Racecourseon Friday November 1 and the Rotary Club of Bath Community Fireworks on Saturday November 2.

The council has a fireworks advice webpage for anyone planning a firework display or looking for more information about the impact of fireworks.

People who have concerns about the impact of firework displays on their pets, can visit the RSPCA website for information on how to make their pet feel safe. The RSPCA also invites people to share their experiences about the impact of fireworks via this survey.