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The Wellington and Auckland zoos, the SPCA and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals have renewed their calls for bans as Guy Fawkes approaches.
PETA has written to Environment Minister David Parker, demanding that the government ban the recreational use of fireworks and urging the country to enjoy silent fireworks.
“Explosives detonated in suburban backyards terrorize wild animals and can cause birds to fly toward objects, or even abandon their nests and young,” the letter said.
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Maarten Holl / Things
Auckland Zoo Director Kevin Bule says New Zealanders should enjoy safe public displays, but private sales should be banned.
“Pets are also at risk, as terrifying sounds can cause them to panic and flee their homes, sometimes jumping over fences or glass windows to escape the noise.”
A Parker spokesperson said the minister’s position on the fireworks law has not changed.
“He believes the 2007 amendment changes have markedly decreased fireworks-related injuries and property damage,” the spokesman said.
In 2007, the Hazardous Substances (Fireworks) Regulations were amended to increase the legal purchase age from 14 to 18 years, reduce the retail sale period for fireworks to four days per year (November 2-5), and reduce the number of explosives. content and noise levels of retail fireworks.
In August, a parliamentary select committee decided to leave the regulations as is.
Gaby Simpson / Supplied
A fire on Auckland’s Mount Wellington in 2019 is believed to have been caused by fireworks on Guy Fawkes night.
However, animal welfare groups continue to call for a ban.
Wellington Zoo Conservation Fund marketing and communications advisor Ash Howell said the backyard fireworks were out of date.
“Animals don’t understand the role of fireworks in human enjoyment,” he said.
Last year, an antelope died at the zoo from “high levels” of stress, likely due to fireworks and a nearby bush fire.
SPCA Wellington Center Manager Megan Sewell has long called for a ban on the private use of fireworks.
“Every year we get calls across the country related to fireworks, including animal injuries, frightened animals, missing pets, and the occasional abuse of animals,” he said.
Grant Matthew / Things
Firefighters douse a burning couch on Ada St, Palmerston North, on Guy Fawkes night in 2015.
Auckland Zoo Director Kevin Buley said planned public displays within a confined area that met all safety criteria were a better way for everyone to celebrate and still enjoy the fireworks display.
“We believe that it is absolutely correct for the government to go ahead and implement this ban, and we really would like this to happen quickly.”
Buley also believed that silent fireworks should replace conventional ones.
“Silent or drone fireworks can be just as or even more impressive, but they don’t generate the explosive noises that traditional fireworks do.”
With Guy Fawkes just days away, animal care groups are gearing up.
The Auckland Zoo keeps some of its African species, which are particularly sensitive, in their dens at night during Guy Fawkes week. These animals include giraffes, ostriches, nyalas, and waterbucks.
“Normally at this time of year with warm spring weather, the animals have the option of being indoors or outdoors,” said Bulley.
“Auckland Zoo is always very vigilant at this time.”
The Wellington Zoo will also take similar precautionary measures.
“We prepare as much as we can, but we cannot predict all the choices an animal will make in this very difficult situation,” Howell said.
- There has been no public showing in Wellington for Guy Fawkes since it was decided to change him to Matariki. This year, a fireworks display had initially been planned for Diwali, the Indian festival of lights, on October 25, but weather has led to the display being postponed until mid-November.
