Dogs Trust 'disappointed' Glasgow firework ban not in place by Bonfire Night

Dogs Trust in Broomhouse has said it is hugely disappointed that a Firework Control Zone will not be place around it's rehoming centre in time for Bonfire Night, as it gears up for another year of antisocial behaviour.

The charity submitted an application to Glasgow City Council in June to consider placing a Firework Control Zone in the area. This would put restrictions on the use of fireworks in the area, limiting the private use of fireworks. Organised, public displays would still be permitted.

Every year, staff say they witness the anxiety and distress caused to dogs by fireworks.

The rehoming centre has also been subject to anti-social behaviour which has seen fireworks aimed at the centre so that they explode directly above the kennels housing the dogs in its care.

Initial application refused

Last month, the charity heard that its application for the creation of a Firework Control Zone had been unsuccessful following a public consultation and consideration by a panel consisting of Glasgow City Council, Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

Dogs Trust has appealed this decision on the grounds that the Scottish Government's guidance on implementing Firework Control Zones clearly states that the impact of unpredictable fireworks on animals is grounds for establishing a zone.

However, Glasgow City Council has since confirmed that while the application will be reviewed, there is now not enough time to review and implement a zone by Bonfire Night 2024

'Really difficult time for dogs'

Laura Foster, Associate Director of Rehoming at Dogs Trust, said: “Fireworks season is a really difficult time for dogs in our care, with many of them traumatised by the noise from fireworks.

“Our Glasgow rehoming centre is particularly affected as it is located in a residential area, where private displays are frequent and unpredictable.

"Sadly, our centre has also had problems with the anti-social use of fireworks where people have deliberately set off fireworks next to the centre, purposefully aiming them to explode above the dogs’ kennels.

"This sort of behaviour is completely unacceptable and causes our dogs a great deal of distress.

“We don’t understand the reason behind the initial refusal of our application; Scottish Government's guidance on implementing Firework Control Zones clearly states that the impact of unpredictable fireworks on animals is grounds for establishing a zone.

"That, combined with the anti-social incidents we have experienced, provides reason enough for a successful application.

“We urge Glasgow City Council to review our appeal as soon as possible, and hope that those reviewing our application will seek advice and guidance from animal welfare professionals to ensure that the impact of fireworks on our dogs is considered before making a final decision.”

Council response

A spokesman for the council said: “Applications for firework control zones were considered by the multi-agency panel.

“Decisions were based on data held by the council, Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue about complaints about antisocial behaviour involving fireworks in previous years.

“Where applications were rejected, applicants had a right of appeal.

“We would remind residents that they can feed into the ongoing consultation into the possible creation of a citywide Firework Control Zone next year.

“We are working with our partners in the emergency services to address the community safety concerns that arise around Bonfire Night.”

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