STOURBRIDGE MP Suzanne Webb is backing 11 charities urging the government to review existing fireworks legislation to better protect animals and vulnerable people.

The Conservative MP attended a Westminster event this week held by charities and organisations including the Dogs Trust, the British Veterinary Association, Children’s Burns Trust and Help for Heroes to lobby for change ahead of Bonfire Night.

She is also running a survey asking people for their views on whether fireworks should be time restricted or if residents are concerned about the effect they have on animals and humans.

The can be accessed by clicking here https://www.suzannewebb.org.uk/form/firework-survey The charities say the law is failing to protect those affected by the unpredictable and loud noise of fireworks.

They also contribute to the unnecessary number of children, young people and adults injured every year by fireworks during celebrations like Guy Fawkes Night, Diwali and New Year’s Eve.

In recent years letting off fireworks has gone on for weeks or months ahead or after key dates leading to unnecessary suffering to animals, their owners and those who have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

They are urging the UK Government to urgently review the current legislation and lack of regulation on sales. Further restrictions on where and when fireworks can be used to limit unnecessary distress and life-changing injuries are also being sought.

Ms Webb said: “Many dog and cat owners now face prolonged periods in the autumn and winter when fireworks are lit with animals terrified and sometimes having to be sedated.

“Those who are suffering the effects of PTSD or other mental health issues can also be badly affected by fireworks and their unexpected sound close to where they live.

“I support a call for ministers to look at reviewing their use. The existing law says fireworks can be set off by any adult between 7am and 11pm every day of the year with extensions on Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year.

“It is also not a legal requirement to have any form of licence or training to let off consumer fireworks and retailers do not even need a licence to sell fireworks near to Bonfire Night or during dates in the Christmas period.”

She said the government should look at regulations and law from other countries, including recent Scottish legislation tightening up when fireworks can be let off and giving power to local authorities to set-up ‘firework control zones’.