Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she has taken to help reduce the impact of firework usage on Guy Fawkes Day on the safety and welfare of family pets.

HM Government takes the issues associated with the sale and use of fireworks seriously. There is a comprehensive regulatory framework already in place for fireworks which includes how to reduce risks and disturbances to the welfare of animals. Information on how to use fireworks responsibly can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/staying-safe-with-fireworks

It is an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 to cause an animal unnecessary suffering and this includes through the misuse of fireworks. Users of fireworks need to use them responsibly and be aware of animals close by, and those found guilty of causing animals unnecessary suffering can face up to five years' imprisonment.