Labour councillors, working with the RSPCA, have proposed that this year’s fireworks at Verulamium Park should be the last to feature "noisy fireworks".

The motion, inspired by animal welfare concerns and supported by the RSPCA, gives twelve months’ notice that fireworks louder than 90dB would no longer be allowed on district council owned land.

The motion will be debated at a St Albans City and District Council meeting on Wednesday, October 16.

Labour Cllr Mike Hobday said: “Britain is a nation of animal lovers, yet every Bonfire Night, we expose animals - including pet cats and dogs, and horses grazing in neighbouring fields – to extraordinary levels of noise."

The Fireworks Spectacular has become a staple event in the St Albans calendar over the years.The Fireworks Spectacular has become a staple event in the St Albans calendar over the years. (Image: Jackie's Jaunts)Read more:

According to the councillor, "scientific studies" have shown that animals exhibit fear in response to fireworks and we know that they can have severe psychological effects on people, especially individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including military veterans, who may be triggered by the loud noises.

He also highlighted issues for "vulnerable children with sensory sensitivities" who may find public firework displays "distressing".

In 2020, the council passed a motion featuring four new resolves regarding public firework displays within the local authority.

These were:

  • To require all public firework displays within the local authority boundaries to be advertised in advance of the event, allowing residents to take precautions for their animals and vulnerable people.
  • To develop and actively promote a public awareness campaign about the impact of fireworks on animal welfare and vulnerable people – including the precautions that can be taken to mitigate risks.
  • To write to the UK Government urging them to introduce legislation to limit the maximum noise level of fireworks to 90dB for those sold to the public for private displays.
  • To encourage local suppliers of fireworks to stock ‘quieter’ fireworks for public display.

Lee Gingell, RSPCA public affairs manager, said: "It's so welcome to see St Albans District Council building on the success of policies they implemented in 2020; by taking further decisive action to protect the animals in their community and promoting quieter fireworks.  

“Many people in St Albans enjoy fireworks, and do so responsibly. But we know many animals find fireworks deeply distressing, so it's important we all work together to do all we can to make this time of year as safe as possible for them."