Firework displays cancelled over concerns for animals

Some fireworks displays have been cancelled over concerns for the welfare of local wildlife and pets.

National Star College, near Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, said they had cancelled their fireworks event after a nearby sanctuary expressed fears for the birds in their care being rehabilitated.

A local display organised by parents at Upton St Leonards Primary School was also cancelled after some residents raised concerns about horses in a nearby field.

Chief executive for National Star College, Lynette Barrett, said going forward the college would be looking for "quieter, more environmentally friendly alternatives to classic firework displays".

It comes as the government has just finished a consultation on cutting the noise of fireworks sold to the public, with concerns raised by the National Farmers' Union (NFU) over the distress caused to animals.

Russell's Rescue is a volunteer-run rescue, rehabilitation and sanctuary for crows and has been been based at Ullenwood, near National Star College, since January.

Helen Motteram, who runs the centre, said they had not been aware of the annual fireworks display until they saw recent social media posts and contacted the college about their concerns.

"When birds are in an aviary, they can't escape. We've had it before where the birds panic and they fly into the mesh, either killing or injuring themselves," she said.

"We've just released around 33 birds and a lot of them are still nesting nearby, so you can imagine that is going to be pretty traumatic for them."

Although Barrett said the students were disappointed, she added National Star College was focused on finding a way to celebrate the occasion that kept the environment and local wildlife safe.

"What we don't want to do is replace the fireworks display with something that's equally environmentally problematic," she said.

Motteram has also expressed a desire to work with the college and offered to give an educational talk for the students.

In Upton St Leonards, some residents were against a display organised by the local Parent Teacher Association. Due to take place on Sunday, it was due to be a "low noise" display to raise funds for the school playground.

Organisers wrote on a community page: "A low-noise display was chosen specifically to protect local animals, and be inclusive of those children who find loud events overwhelming, with the potential added benefit to reduce the number of private garden displays across and around the village.

"We gave 10 weeks' notice and invited direct feedback, proactively engaging with the responses we received, and spending weeks consulting equine charities to make the event work for everyone."

They added: "Sadly, despite our efforts we have exhausted every option to move forward."

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