Source: MIL-OSI Submissions
Source: SAFE NZ
Wellington City Councillor Fleur Fitzsimons is campaigning to ban the use of fireworks within a two-kilometre radius around Wellington Zoo.
SAFE campaigns manager Marianne Macdonald said it’s a good move and would like to see the ban go further.
“Wildlife, companion animals and farmed animals can all suffer physical and psychological injury due to fireworks,” said Macdonald.
In August, the Governance and Administration Select Committee failed to protect animals when they recommended no limitation on the sale of fireworks. This recommendation was in response to three separate petitions on the issue.
“Kiwis are strongly in favour of limiting the use of fireworks to professional displays only. SAFE, the SPCA, the New Zealand Veterinary Association, local councils and the Police all support a ban on the private sale and use of fireworks.”
“The evidence that fireworks cause harm to animals is overwhelming but is consistently ignored by decision makers in Parliament. Politicians need to listen to the science and ban the private sale and use of fireworks.”
SAFE is New Zealand’s leading animal rights organisation.
We’re creating a future that ensures the rights of animals are respected. Our core work empowers society to make kinder choices for ourselves, animals and our planet.
SAFE proposes more extensive regulation of the use of fireworks including:
– Increasing the distance between farmed animals and fireworks displays to a minimum of 1000 metres
– Banning the use of fireworks in areas where vulnerable wildlife could be affected
– Requiring formal notification of a fireworks display to people who will be affected by the display due to their proximity
– Limiting fireworks displays to fifteen minutes.
Notes for editors:
– Last year Auckland Council voted in support of a law change to ban the private sale and use of fireworks, which was supported by 89% of public submissions.
– At the 2019 Local Government New Zealand conference the majority of New Zealand’s local authorities (64%) also supported Auckland Council’s call for legislative change to enact a ban.
