Greens call for private fireworks sales ban
The Scottish Greens have called for a ban on private firework sales as Scotland marks another Bonfire Night.
Fireworks cause stress and harm to vulnerable people, pets and wildlife.
The Scottish SPCA has also called for an end to private firework sales, warning of the “intense fear” that can be felt by animals.
In 2024, Edinburgh Zoo tragically reported the death of Roxie, a four-month-old red panda, from stress caused by fireworks in nearby residential areas.
Scottish Green MSP Maggie Chapman said:
“Bonfire Night can be one of the most dangerous and stressful times of the year for people and animals. It is the high point that kicks off a period from the end of October to Hogmanay where fireworks are consistently misused.
“We know that they can cause intense fear in animals. Pet owners will be all too familiar with the anxiety faced by much-loved companion animals. And of course, wild animals suffer too. Only a couple of years ago, we witnessed the tragic death of Roxie in Edinburgh Zoo.
“The Scottish Government cannot continue to ignore the reality – fireworks are explosives, and they are consistently misused. The private sale of fireworks must be banned to reduce the fear and alarm they can cause.
“There may well be a place for organised and well-managed events and displays which can be important community celebrations that bring people together. However, that cannot justify the widespread sale of fireworks and dangerous, unorganised displays that we see frequently in residential areas.
“And of course, low-noise fireworks and other light displays should be seen as the preferred alternatives for public displays, given what we know about the impact of the noise on people and animals.
“Scottish Green MSPs and Councillors led campaigns to introduce Firework Control Zones in our cities and towns, which have limited the impact in some areas.
“But that doesn’t mean we should stop there. I hope that we can build on the work Greens across Scotland have done to finally secure an end to private firework sales.”