On this site we do not only mention petitions which are still ongoing but also older ones. The many different petitions from different countries show once more: the letting-off fireworks happens more and more over the whole year and is no longer just  regionally or national à it has become an international problem long ago!

* * *

America. Drumming Instead! Is a grassroots effort to encourage Drumming Instead of fireworks! Our wish is to replace the tradition of fireworks with community drumming. http://www.drumminginstead.org/. This project is for people around the world. In the US, we may be starting with the 4^th of July, 2010, but this is for any celebration that may, potentially, include fireworks.

Philippines. With the façade of a church as background, environmental groups and parishioners launched December 27, 2009,  a campaign to help rid New Year festivities of dangerous and toxic practices. The campaign is dubbed "Iwas PapuToxic" – coined from the words iwas (avoid), paputok (firecrackers) and toxic. The organizers included members of EcoWaste Coalition and Care for the Earth Ministry of the Our Lady of Remedies Parish in Malate, Manila.

Source: "How to greet 2010 the non-toxic way", 28.12.2009, http://www.inquirer.net/mindandbody/healthbeat/view.php?db=1&article=20091228-244266

Newstead/New Zealand. Jackie Chamberlain is starting a petition for a ban on the private sale and display of fireworks – to be presented to Parliament next year -  after her 17-year-old stallion Prestige suffered a massive gash to his side after being spooked on November 7, 2009.

Source: "Ban fireworks – upset horse owner", 11.11.2009, http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/news/3051398/Ban-fireworks-upset-horse-owner

United Kingdom, October 2009. Treacle Partnership launch the Firework Safety Campaign "Be safe on Halloween, be safe on Bonfire - visit an organised event: http://www.safe4autumn.com/. 

Treacle Partnership is a multi agency collaboration to reduce the impact of the Halloween and Bonfire Night period on the communities of Greater Manchester particularly targeting anti social behaviour, inappropriate sales and misuse of fireworks and reducing firework injuries and accidental property fires caused by bonfires.

The Netherlands. Parliament will have to hold a debate on whether to stop private individuals from letting off fireworks. The idea is that only professional displays should be allowed. On 1 January 2009, two city councillors from Rotterdam and The Hague submitted a proposal entitled 'More pleasure with fewer fireworks', using the new Dutch digital 'citizen initiative' scheme. Already more than 40,000 people have, via the internet, backed the idea of banning private fireworks. The instigators of the first digital proposal, both members of the Green Left party, say fireworks cause unnecessary injuries and damage the environment. In their opinion, fireworks should be left to the professionals. (Source: "Heated debate to come on Dutch fireworks", 9.1.2009, http://www.radionetherlands.nl/news/zijlijn/6127453/Heated-debate-to-come-on-Dutch-fireworks) - Burgerinitiatief: Meer plezier met minder vuurwerk, Start 5.1.2009, http://www.petities.nl/petitie/burgerinitiatief_meer_plezier_met_minder_vuurwerk/pages/280/#signatures - A citizens' initiative against consumer fireworks has been submitted to parliament having collected 64,000 signatures, substantially more than the legal minimum requirement of 40,000. If a citizen's initiative wins the support of more than 40,000 people, parliament must discuss it, on condition the issue in question has not been debated by parliament in the preceding two years. (Source: "Parliament to debate banning consumer fireworks", 19.2.2009, http://www.radionetherlands.nl/news/zijlijn/6182852/Parliament-to-debate-banning-consumer-fireworks)

Quezon City/Philippines. As part of their advocacy for chemical safety and environmental health, the waste and pollution watchdog EcoWaste Coalition today launched their "Iwas PapuTOXIC" drive, stressing that firecrackers cause not only noise pollution, but also toxic smoke and litter that can endanger human and animal health and the environment. In an effort to boost the campaign, a thousand students from Claret School in Quezon City made a big show of how the New Year can be just as festive without firecrackers by sounding alternative noisemakers from recycled materials. …

Source: "EcoWaste Coalition launches 'Iwas PapuTOXIC' drive, promotes emission-free noisemakers to welcome the New Year", 19.12.2008, http://ecowastecoalition.blogspot.com/

Naples/Italy. A group of more than 40 women said they will withhold sex if their husbands or boyfriends let off fireworks during the holiday season. The women have taken up the idea launched by a local doctor, Vincenzo Sorrentiono, who said the idea for the committee of women pledging to withhold sex came after years of injuries and deaths resulting from Christmastime fireworks. They now have formed a committee led by a woman who has been forced to tend a father seriously injured by a firework blast several years ago. "We're fed up with these stupid annual massacres. This time they're just going to have to choose: sex or fireworks."

The initiative is being supported by the provincial government of Naples, which has also started sending residents the SMS message: "Don't let off, make love instead".

Naples each year records the highest number of injuries – and sometimes deaths – from the improper use of fireworks, mostly illegal ones and increasingly made in China.

Source:

"No sex if you let off fireworks. Naples wives give hubbies hard choice", 12.12.2008, http://www.ansa.it/site/notizie/awnplus/english/news/2008-12-12_112314221.html

"Women's ultimatum: Sex or fireworks", 12.12.2008, http://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2008/12/12/Womens_ultimatum_Sex_or_fireworks/UPI-72041229129077/

New Zealand/Media Release, 17.10.2008: The New Zealand Fire Service, New Zealand Police, Ministry for the Environment and the Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA New Zealand) launch a safety campaign to remind those celebrating Guy Fawkes that acting responsibly with fireworks will ensure a fun and successful event for all: http://www.guyfawkessafety.govt.nz. Over the past two years, ERMA New Zealand has introduced new safety rules amid public concern about damage due to fireworks. They include a minimum age of 18 for purchasing fireworks; a shortened fireworks sale period, from 2-5 November; limitations on the sale of sparklers; and the introduction of a code of practice for those staging outdoor public fireworks displays. New regulations limiting the explosive sound levels of retail fireworks may make for happier pets this Guy Fawkes.

"Fireworks and bonfires ruin lives in a flash" campaign is being led by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service and Northumbria Police in partnership with councils, the ambulance service and the NHS (England): http://www.twfire.gov.uk/bonfire/ . - Youngsters will be shown shocking scenes to highlight the dangers of bonfires and fireworks as part of a hard-hitting campaign.

England. Firefighters, police and Office of Fair Trading staff on the Isle of Man have joined forces to launch this year's Bonfire Night Safety Campaign. The campaign aims to make people aware of some of the dangers  and to show them how to use fireworks properly.

Safety advice on holding bonfires and using fireworks is available from the Isle of Man Government, Department of Home Affairs (DHA) or Isle of Man Government, Office of Fair Trading (OFT) on the following websites:

www.gov.im/dha/ceo/fireworks.xml

www.gov.im/dha/fire

www.gov.im/oft/TradingStandards/safety/fireworks.xml.

Nicole van Wyk: Petition "Ban Fireworks in South Africa"

Start of the petition: April 2008

Target: To ban fireworks in SA once and for all

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/nicole-van-wyk-ban-fireworks-in-south-africa

Petition "Ban fireworks in South Africe" by Skye Quadling, Jaffae

Fireworks are one of the worst types of entertainment. While we are having a good time watching the beautiful colours erupting in the sky, animals are cowering in fear. Animals aren't the only ones who are negatively affected by fireworks. Fireworks also cause pollution and acid rain. They are also a huge safety risk and cause many injuries. 

Start of the Petition: March 2008

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/Skye-says-STOP-FIREWORKS-in-SouthAfrica

Petition "Ban Fireworks in South Africa"

Beauty without Cruelty and the undersigned would like to see a change to the Explosives Act banning all use of fireworks, all fireworks displays and the sales of fireworks due to the danger posed to both animals and humans.

… We all therefore strongly urge the Minister of Safety and Security to take all of this into consideration and for the safety of our children, our four legged companions and our wildlife to BAN fireworks once and for all in South Africa.

(Start of the petition: November 2007, petition still going on, end of the petition probably June 2008)

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/ban-fireworks-in-south-africa

Petition "Ban Fireworks in the United States" by Rex Stuart

If you and/or anyone you know has Asthma and/or shortness of breath, please sign this petition to help stop the promotion of air, water, and noise pollution from fireworks displays. … Fireworks contain a number of toxic metals and/or elements that stay airborne for hours until finally settling into our natural resources of soil, gardens, lakes, and public water supply. …

Target: Acting Director, Pan American Health Organization

Deadline: Ongoing…

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/403620870

England. Bonfire Night: Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service has launched its latest hard-hitting campaign 'Throwing fireworks is an idiot's game',  in a bid to drive down firework related accidents during the 2007 Bonfire period. This year's campaign targets young teenagers, the most "at risk" group from firework injuries. The campaign consists of a radio advert vividly describing what it is like to be hit by a firework and billboard posters showing a young boy who has been badly disfigured after misusing fireworks: http://www.manchesterfire.gov.uk/stay-safe/fire-safety-campaigns/bonfire-night-.aspx

England. The 'Fireworks and bonfires ruin lives in a flash' campaign is being led by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service and Northumbria Police in partnership with local authorities, the ambulance service and the NHS. The five-week campaign (Oct/Nov 2007) is designed to remind people about the dangers of illegal bonfires and fireworks misuse, to reduce anti-social behaviour linked to bonfires and fireworks and encourages people to attend organised bonfire and firework displays: http://www.twfire.co.uk/welcome or http://www.twfire.gov.uk/firesafety/home/fireworks

Petition "Ban Fireworks UK"

Back in 2005 there were approx 990 injuries because of the careless use of fireworks within the UK, and thousands of animals were also injured. … Ban Fireworks UK do not wish to take the fun away from November 5^th, just make the night more enjoyable by only allowing them to be used at organised displays.

Start of the petition: 3 November 2007

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/BFUK/

England. October 8, 2007, the Evening Telegraph launches a campaign to clamp down on yobs letting off fireworks late into the night. They are calling on readers to let them know if fireworks are a problem where they live. They will record every call, forward them to the police and create a map to identify the worst areas. Read more about the fireworks campaign under http://www.northantset.co.uk/campaign. - (There was the possibility to post a comment about the own view on firework nuisance at the bottom of the article "Taking action over the firework yobs" under http://www.northantset.co.uk/campaign/Taking-action-over-the-firework.3308320.jp?articlepage=2)

England. Bright Sparx campaign for bonfire safety was launched on 1st October until 5th November 2007, http://www.lancsfirerescue.org.uk/lfrs/home/default.php. The five week multi-agency campaign co-ordinated by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service seeks to reduce levels of injury, disorder, damage and anti-social behaviour relating to the misuse of bonfires and fireworks across the county. The message of the campaign is: "Stay bright, stay safe. Attend an organised bonfire or fireworks display and don't throw or misuse fireworks.". Full information on the website http://www.beabrightspark.org

Petition "Fireworks right next to animal shelter"

The ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), an animal welfare organization in the United States received numerous complaints from concerned citizens in Ventura County CA regarding the annual fireworks display that is held in close proximity to the county animal shelter. They would urge the Camarillo Parks and Recreation Dept., the Camarillo, Pleasant Valley, Somis chapter of the Lions Club and the City of Camarillo to reconsider locating their fireworks display to an area where it will have no effect on the animals seeking sanctuary in the shelter. 

Deadline: 2.7.2007

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/326160974

England. Petition to the Prime Minister to prohibit the sale of fireworks to the public. Deadline to sign up by 20 May 2007, http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/fireworksban/

CEPNZ (Character Education Programme of New Zealand) has launched a nationwide FIREWORKS PETITION: <<We the undersigned request that the use of fireworks be restricted to public displays under the control of a fully trained operator by law and that the sale of fireworks by retailers to the general public be banned and the use of fireworks by members of the public be made a summary offence before November 2007>>.

The petition will be presented to the House of Representatives (end of the petition 1^st March 2007).

You can download a copy of the petition from the Internet at http://www.cepnz.co.nz/fireworks.pdf. 

Australia: Petition "Territory Day Fireworks Ban"

Ban the sale of fireworks to the general public in the Northern Territory, and have regulated venues where the public can view a wonderful fireworks display organised and sponsored by the local government.

Start of the petition: July 7, 2006

Target: Chief Minister Clare Martin

http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/territory-day-fireworks-ban.html

Orlando, Fla/America. Residents fear that their homes will go up in flames because debris and ashes from the fireworks displays of the Universal Studios Theme Park are landing on their properties.

-          "Is the sky falling?", 11.5.2006, http://www.orlandoweekly.com/features/story.asp?id=10686 (in the case that the link does not work please go directly to http://www.orlandoweekly.com and look for the article under "Search Site")

-          "Neighbors concerned over Universal Studios show" (with video related to story), 17.6.2006, http://www.local6.com/news/9384144/detail.html: A new laser, video and fireworks show at Universal Studios is causing concern among homeowners living near the theme park who fear that the larger show will cause ash and pyrotechnics to shower down on their property.

-          "Homeowners say Theme Park fireworks debris ends up in yards", 6.7.2006, http://www.wftv.com/news/4690860/detail.html (in the case that the link does not work, please go directly to http://www.wftv.com and look for the article under "News Search")

Greenwich Council has launched a campaign to encourage traders and youngsters to act more responsibly during the bonfire season. Around 100 information packs have been sent out to retailers, giving advice on the safe sale and storage of fireworks. Advice teams are also visiting schools across the borough to warn children about the danger of misusing fireworks. 18.10.2005

http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/lewgreennews/display.var.641531.0.fireworks_warning_given_to_teenagers.php

Hatzolah Spearheads Campaign Against Firecrackers and Other Explosive Devices

HATZOLAH ISRAEL (Hatzolah Israel is a volunteer, non-profit Emergency Medical Service) is spearheading a campaign to stop the use of firecrackers of all types and other pyrotechnic devices.

The campaign includes letters and fliers to parents and educators, and expanding awareness of the dangers of allowing children to handle and play with pyrotechnics. Businesses are also spoken to, and discouraged to sell pyrotechnics, due to the dangers involved to the children using them. 18.3.2005

http://www.hatzolah.org.il/weblog/archive/2005_03_01_archive.html

State starts ant-fireworks campaign

Rochester, N.Y. The message of a new statewide safety campaign of the New York State Consumer Protection Board and state officials starting today as the Fourth of July approaches and is, that fireworks are illegal in New York and that they are dangerous. 21.6.2005

http://www.general-anzeiger-bonn.de/index_frameset.html?/news/artikel.php?id=91730

PDF – Fireworks campaign 2005 – Do you feel lucky? (Firefighter and PC poster)

http://ww1.northumbria.police.uk/ePolicing/web/webmedia.nsf/AllPage1ContentDocs/MED01196

Petition "Ban the sale of fireworks in New Zealand" by Natasha Barker

The sale of fireworks in New Zealand for everyone must be stopped.

To: New Zealand Government

http://www.petitiononline.com/angry05/petition.html

"Show Tony Blair that fireworks stress pets!"

The RSPCA Online – The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is asking people to film or photograph their pets on and around Bonfire Night (5.11.2004) in a bid to show the government how distressing loud fireworks are to animals. The RSPCA will compile films and photographs on a DVD and send to Prime Minister Tony Blair and other decision-makers as proof that fireworks currently available to the public are to loud.

http://www.rspca.org.uk/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=RSPCA/News/NewsFeature&articleid=1097849864991

"Horror poster to stop November 5 agony"

Men and teenage boys are being targeted with beer mats and posters warning of the potentially disastrous effects of playing with fireworks.

The £650'000 campaign will run in Manchester, Salford and Oldham after figures revealed that there were 198 firework accidents in the north west last year – the highest number in Britain.

The pub campaign will use posters showing a teenager with horrific scars caused by fireworks. Based on fashion adverts, the poster says: <<Polo shirt from girlfriend £35, sweatband £10, headphones from Mum and Dad £50 – lifelong scars from messing around with roman candle £7.99.>> 18.10.2004

http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/news/s/133/133911_horror_poster_to_stop_november_5_agony.html

Keepers back fireworks campaign:

Goalkeepers from three Teesside football teams have joined forces to back a major fireworks safety campaign. The campaign is spearheaded by the region's Crime and Disorder Partnerships along with Fire Service, Police, councils and NHS authorities. The campaign features a hard-hitting message that people can be killed, seriously injured and disfigured by fooling with fireworks and by building their own bonfires. 11.10.2004

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/3733872.stm

"Maryland counties Offer Fireworks Amnesty"

Amnesty Program

In Prince George's County, citizens may turn in fireworks without fear of being arrested or fined. Those desiing to take advantage of this amnesty may contact the County's Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department Operations Center. A member of the Fire/EMS Department will come to your home or business and remove your fireworks, without you risking arrest and/or fine.

This is the fifth year that the Fire/EMS Department has offered an Amnesty Program. Hundreds of pieces of dangerous fireworks have been turned over to authorities during this period. Fire Chief Ronald Blackwell said: "Most importantly, there have been no citizens injured by illegal fireworks in Prince George's County during the past four years during this time of Amnesty." 29.6.2004

http://cms.firehouse.com/content/article/article.jsp?id=32198&sectionId=46

Jess Southerton, from Hartley, near Gravesend, Kent has handed a 750-signature petition to the government calling for a ban on the sale of over-the-counter fireworks. 4.3.2004

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/kent/3531841.stm

Swiss petition "No more letting-off of fireworks in residential areas" from stop-fireworks.org. Deadline to sign up by 29th November 2004.

Petition from "stop fireworks.co.uk": <<We all know that fireworks are fun but not many people know that they can also be very dangerous. Approximately 10,000 people get hurt by fireworks every year. We need to bring this figure down to do this we are trying to get the government to restrict the sale of fireworks to licenced venues and not the general public.>>

You can sign the petition on the internet under http://www.stopfireworks.co.uk/petition.html and under http://www.stopfireworks.co.uk/ you find more about the background of the petition.

Merseyside Police Campaign "Be a Good Guy Responsible Retailer" (2003)
This is the second year of the Good Guy Responsible Retailer schema that is aimed at firework retailers. It is run by Merseyside Fire Service, Local Authority Trading Standards and Merseyside Police. It aims to reduce the anti-social use and abuse of fireworks across the area. 

There is currently no legal restriction as to when fireworks can be sold. The Good Guy schema encourages firework retailers to be responsible and sign up to the voluntary code of conduct to limit the sale of fireworks between 15 October and 8 November. The schema also helps the police and the other partner agencies to strictly enforce the law in relation to the sale of fireworks to over 18s and their safe storage in shop premises. It also enables to bring together all the joint powers in relation to enforcement of illegal firework sales, storage and nuisance.
http://www.merseyside.police.uk/campaigns/GoodGuy/goodguy.html

Petition submitted by Vic Bostock: Petition to ban the public use / misuse of fireworks:

<<Ban fireworks except for organised events.

Fireworks are beautiful and even when used sensibly are dangerous to wildlife, pets and all people near by. Put in the wrong hands and they are often used as weapons to deliberately hurt people or animals. Why do we celebrate the day someone tried to blow up the Government anyway? Explosives are explosives whether they are pretty or not and should be banned to the public. Organised events offer safety and a better display.>>

(It's also interesting to look at the petition for the comments of the people to the question "Do you believe that fireworks should be banned apart from organised events?")

Target: Tony Blair, The Prime Minister, English Government

Signatures (11.12.2003): 954

Deadline: 10-16-2003

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/230095239

The campaign of the Department of Trade of Industry and the Child Accident Prevention Trust, is calling on under-fives to be kept away from sparklers. 

Experts are warning that the fireworks can reach temperatures of 1,000 – 10 times the temperature of boiling water. Sparklers have left 132 people needing hospital treatment 12 months ago. (13.10.2003)

http://www.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,15410-12822429,00.html

A petition signed by almost 75,000 people will be delivered by the RSPCA-led Animal Welfare Fireworks Coalition to British Prime Minister Tony Blair's front door, urging him to ban fireworks because of the misery they cause animals and their owners.
The Animal Welfare Fireworks Coalition comprises Battersea Dogs Home, The Blue Cross, Dogs Trust, Guide Dogs, The Kennel Club, Pet Care Trust, the RSPCA and Wood Green Animal Shelters. 4.11.2003 http://iccoventry.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0200nationalnews/page.cfm?objectid=13587959&method=full&siteid=50003

Helen Conway of the RSPCA shop in Carr Street has extended the closing date for a local branch of a regional petition to out an end to public sale of fireworks, in a bid to stop disturbed nights throughout the year. The petition is being led in King's Lynn - where more than 26,000 have signed up - and will be sent to the Prime Minister after January 30. (2.1.2003 Ipswich) http://www.eveningstar.co.uk/content/search/nfdetail.asp?Brand=estonline&Category=News&ItemId=IPED01+Jan+2003+10%3A16%3A15%3A877&archive=1

Children from across Nuneaton, Bedworth and North Warwickshire are being invited to enter the county council's firework safety poster competition. The competition has been launched to remind children about the dangers of fireworks and help reduce the numbers of children killed and injured in firework accidents each year. The competition is open to children aged 11 and under. Children are asked to design a poster that warns of the dangers posed by fireworks and sparklers. 16.10.2003
http://iccoventry.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0150swarksnews/page.cfm?objectid=13521390&method=full&siteid=50003

City firework ban fight 'a success'
A Coventry-led campaign to ban the misuse of fireworks is to become law nationally - but not until next year. Thousands of people in Coventry backed the city council's petition to end the nuisance of late-night explosions which has plagued neighbours for years. 20.9.2003
http://iccoventry.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100localnews/page.cfm?objectid=13429455&method=full&siteid=50003

Jane Watts of the Park Paling, Cheylesmore, Coventry, has already collected a petition of more then 400 signatures from pet-owners demanding something is done. Coventry MP Jim Cunningham is to take the city's no-nonsense stance on fireworks to Parliament, alongside a  signatures from 5,000 people collected by the city council calling for a ban of the use of fireworks after 11pm. 18.2.2003: http://iccoventry.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100localnews/page.cfm?objectid=12651384&method=full&siteid=50003

Teresa Kulkarni’s Petition in Kings Lynn, Norfolk: "Licensed Displays only - SAVE LIVES, STOP THE SUFFERING, BAN FIREWORKS NOW" http://freespace.virgin.net/nicholas.k/.

You can find the petition form under http://freespace.virgin.net/nicholas.k/svlvs.htm and the letter to the petition under http://freespace.virgin.net/nicholas.k/svlvs2.htm.

7 July 2003: petition now closed!! 

The petition, which began before Bill Tynan MP started his Firework Bill in Parliament, is one of the largest firework petition ever collected, and it is a timely reminder to the House of Lords, who debate the Bill on Friday, 4th of July.
The massive petition will be handed to Mr Tynan, and other MP's, at 2:30pm on Tuesday 8th July in Whitehall. The party will then proceed to 10 Downing Street and hand in around 92,835 signatures!! to Mr Blair.

M.E.N. (Manchester Evening News) Fireworks Campaign:

The Nottingham Evening Post have been carrying our a " Be Safe Not Sorry" firework campaign. The campaign seeks a ban on firework sales, except to organisers of licensed public displays and was launched in December 2001 after the Post was inundated with letters from readers saying they were fed up with the noise, nuisance and the distress to pets that fireworks cause.

FIREWORKS: MPS MAY CURB SALES, 14.2.2003 http://www.nottinghameveningpost.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=66030&command=displayContent&sourceNode=65582&contentPK=4167981

DOSSIER IS 'MUST READ', 1.5.2003 http://www.nottinghameveningpost.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=66030&command=displayContent&sourceNode=65582&contentPK=5394294

JENNY'S FIREWORKS PLEA. 
26.2.2003 a Petition was being handed in at 10 Downing Street, calling for tougher control over the sale of fireworks. Jenny Hollingworth, who supports the Post's Be Safe Not Sorry campaign, was presenting 86,000 names collected by Guide Dogs for the Blind.

http://www.nottinghameveningpost.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=66030&command=displayContent&sourceNode=65582&contentPK=4380289

City council bosses are backing a petition to be presented to Prime Minister Tony Blair calling for tough laws on the setting off of fireworks. The petition has been raised by MP Barry Gardiner, and has been signed by 200,000 people. The petition calls for all public firework displays to be carried out by licensed pyrotechnicians, restrictions on times of the year fireworks can be bought, restrictions on the times of day they can be set off and a requirement for sellers of fireworks to have a licence. 12.10.2002
http://iccoventry.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100localnews/page.cfm?objectid=12277192&method=full&siteid=50003

The Ohio Animal Defense League makes a Campaign to Stop Fireworks From Traumatizing Animals.  

They want to prohibit fireworks at greater Cleveland's new baseball stadium. "Disallowing fireworks will make it a venue that provides enjoyment and entertainment to all, without causing terror to some." 

You find the On-Line Endorsement Form of "the Declaration of Concern and Support, No Fireworks at Greater Cleveland's New Baseball Stadium" under http://www.all-creatures.org/oadl/end-sign.html.

Control of Fireworks for Animal Welfare (COFFAW)

COFFAW aims:

To bring about a stronger public awareness about the effects fireworks have on animals and humans.

To restrict the use of fireworks by the public to Nov 5^th only. At any other time a license should be required for the use of fireworks and should be obtainable from the local authority and a legal requirement to inform all local residents and the police.

No fireworks allowed to be discharged within a set radius of horses and livestock.

Noise levels and size of so called garden fireworks reduced drastically. In fact COFFAW would like to see all fireworks devoid of screams and bangs.

Professionally organised firework displays licensed & local residents informed. By letter drop to all households not just a notice in the newspaper.

You can find the petition under http://www.fpl-uk.demon.co.uk/coffaw/letters.htm or at http://www.southlawne28.freeserve.co.uk/petition.htm.

They got 143,000 signatures till December 2003!! http://www.southlawne28.freeserve.co.uk/petition.htm

Gardai target parents in fireworks campaign

The danger and intimidation of fireworks going off is being highlighted in a new Garda campaign in the build-up to Halloween. The Garda Siochana in Sligo have been visiting primary schools and youth clubs in the town to warn them of the potential hazards in using fireworks and setting bonfires. A graphic video entitled "Happy Halloween" shows actual footage filmed in Dublin of previous Halloweens and talks to young people who have been injured by both fireworks and bonfires. 30.10.2002

http://archives.tcm.ie/sligoweekender/2002/10/30/story1556.asp

You can find the Fireworks Campaign of the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) under http://www.scottishspca.org/campaign/fireworks.htm.

SOCELEX (animal sanctuary in South Wales): http://members.madasafish.com/%7edianeallen/.

Fireworks kill, injure and frighten hundreds of animals every year, and also injure people and damage property; that's why they made a Petition for Better Control on Fireworks.

The National Campaign for Firework Safety is the longest running full-time fireworks safety
campaign in the world. Their aim is to promote the safe use of fireworks.

Founded in November 1969, by a number of people appalled by the unnecessary firework injuries to children, teenagers and pets. 
The Campaign initiated a 50,000-signature petition, organised by 'Mother Magazine'. 
The Campaign will continue to voice its concerns of the Firework Industry, the incident at Enschede shows tragically, how dangerous fireworks can be. The Campaign will support any move to bring in new legislation to ensure fireworks, in the twenty-first century, will be handled much safer than in the previous century.

http://www.angelfire.com/co3/NCFS/campaign.html

Because death, injuries and fires occur frequently when individual consumers light fireworks, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) have joined forces to call for a ban on private fireworks use. 
At present, 8 states ban all consumer fireworks. Significantly lower rates of fireworks-related injuries and fires are seen in these states, according to the AAP. 
The AAP is an organization of 57,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children adolescents and young adults.
NFPA, an international nonprofit with 75,000 members, has been the premier leader in providing fire and life safety to the public since 1896. Its mission is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by research, training and education, as well as development of consensus-based codes and standards.

http://www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/junefire.htm

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) is calling for a reform of the regulations controlling fireworks. They believe loud fireworks should be restricted to organized public displays with strict guidelines on minimizing animal distress: <<The misery that fireworks cause to thousands of animals every year has got to stop. I urge you to reform firework regulations and restrict public use of fireworks. Loud fireworks should only be used at professionally organized public displays with strict guidelines on minimizing animal distress.>>

So far 4081 people have signed up the petition - what's about you?
http://www.rspca.org.uk/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=RSPCACampaigns/Fireworks/FireworksHomepage

The 'Regulate Fireworks Now' petition, started by "Guide Dogs for the Blind Association", calls for an end to disruption and distress caused to guide dogs and their owners by fireworks.
Every year, guide dogs and other working dogs are forced to retire after being traumatised by the irresponsible use of fireworks. Others have to be sedated, and some even retrained, leaving their owners without mobility for weeks at a time.

Guide Dogs is calling for the licensing of firework retailers and organisers of public fireworks displays; limitation of noise levels; and the specifying of a limited number of dates in the public calendar around which fireworks can be sold.
Outside of these times, sales would be not permitted to the public.
Under http://www.guidedogs.org.uk/fireworks/reg-form.htm you can find the 'Regulate Fireworks Now!' online petition form:
<<I call on the government to urgently review fireworks legislation and in particular:
1.To require all public firework displays to be controlled by licensed pyrotechnicians. 
2.To restrict the times of the year fireworks can be bought. 
3.To restrict the times of the day fireworks can be set off. 
4.To license all vendors of fireworks to meet strict safety criteria and to give trading standards the power to revoke 

   the license of any vendor caught selling fireworks to underage children. 

7.3.2003: Geraldine Peacock, Chief executive, The Guide Dogs For The Blind Association: <<The Guide Dogs For The Blind Association has been overwhelmed with support from readers calling for an end to the disruption caused by the misuse of fireworks. I would personally like to thank any readers who have signed our regulate fireworks now' petition, which has amassed more than 75,000 signatures nationwide.>>

Looking Glass & VeggieGlobal's online campaign to ban the public sale of loud fireworks: "Ban the Bang" - a campaign to ban the public sale of any fireworks that cause distress, injury or death to animals and general wildlife."
http://www.looking-glass.co.uk/campaigns/banthebang_vote.htm

Every year, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) runs a fireworks safety campaign with the support of organisations such as Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT), Fight for Sight and ROSPA: http://www.dti.gov.uk/homesafetynetwork/fw_intro.htm  

Kids say no to crackers

20.10.2003 / India / http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20031021/cth2.htm

About 1,500 children and teachers, besides 200 doctors, participated at a publio awareness rally – 'say no to fireworks' – organised by the National Integrated Medical Association's local branch. It was held in association with Sector 22 Market Welfare Association and private schoos located at Chandigarh and SAS Nagar. The participants swore against the use fire crackers on Divali.

The association president, Dr T. M. Aggarwal, apprised the children and public about the dangerous and hazardous effects of crackers, including skin diseases, asthma, even eye loss. He also highlighted the child labour misuse in cracker factories and loss of crores of rupees to the Indian economy.

Each year, 450-470 people in India lose their lives to burn injuries caused by firecrackers. The Loss Prevention Association of India Ltd (LPA) maintains that thousands of cases pertaining to burn injuries go unreported. The LPA has urged the government to introduce a ban on the sale of fireworks to children below 15 years. 3.11.2002

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/html/uncomp/articleshow?msid=27190060

India is celebrating the most important festival in the Hindu calendar, Diwali, also known as the Festival of Light. This year a campaign to stop the use of firecrackers has intensified. Many schoolchildren in Delhi have taken part in a vigorous public campaign, marching in rallies, displaying campaign posters and making public pledges not to buy crackers. Campaigners say firecrackers worsen existing air pollution by six to ten times. People with asthma and heart diseases are amongst those who suffer as a result.

"Festival of lights without fireworks" , 25.10.2000 , http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/990606.stm

Baby Spice Emma Bunton has launched a government safety campaign to warning drinkers of the dangers of handling fireworks on millennium eve. The campaign warns that there may be additional risks on millennium eve because alcohol slows reactions, makes people over-confident and reducing their ability to supervise children. The campaign points out that 830 people in Britain were treated in hospital for firework injuries last year. 22.12.1999

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/574944.stm

Petition by Diane Allen: We request a change in the law to incorporate fireworks into the Firearms Act 1968/1988. How long will we campaign: Ongoing. http://www.ethical-business.com/?sect=detail&pet=170

You can go to the Discussion Forum for this petition by http://www.ethical-business.com/?sect=messages&sub_id=170

Holmfirth. Campaigners collected signatures for tighter controls on the sale and use of fireworks.

"Plea for tough laws on fireworks", 24.2.2003: http://ichuddersfield.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100localnews/page.cfm?objectid=12672929&method=full&siteid=50060

Calder Valley MP Chris McCafferty is collecting a petition calling on the Government to provide time for backbench legislation to bring in key reforms to existing fireworks laws. They are:

- To require all public firework displays to be controlled by licensed pyrotechnicians.

- To restrict the time of year fireworks can be bought.

- To restrict the time of day fireworks can be set off.

- To license all vendors of fireworks to meet strict criteria.

- To give Trading Standards the power to revoke the licence of any vendor caught selling fireworks to underage children.

"Call for tougher fireworks controls", 1.4.2002: http://ichuddersfield.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100localnews/page.cfm?objectid=11751687&method=full&siteid=50060

Doug Jones, 46, from Rastrick, plans to revive his campaign for a ban on fireworks three years after his guide dog 1998 was so badly shaken that he couldn't work again. He petitioned Prime Minister Tony Blair after the firebomb incident, but he never got a response. Mr Jones wants sale of fireworks banned - except for organised public displays.

"Blind man in bid to ban fireworks", 13.12.2001: http://ichuddersfield.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100localnews/page.cfm?objectid=11479679&method=full&siteid=50060

People Against Fireworks (PAF), Hawaii: Petition drive to ban fireworks statewide (article about it found in "Honolulu Star-Bulletin", View Point, 9.1.1999) under http://starbulletin.com/1999/01/09/editorial/viewpoint.html

Tom Watson, Labour MP for West Bromwich East: Petition calls for tough new laws on fireworks as accidents rise.

Over 400 Sandwell residents have signed the petition calling on new laws on the sale and use of fireworks to be introduced.

Mr Watson: "Although I do not think we should ban all sales of fireworks for retail use, we need to look at restricting the times of the year when fireworks can be sold, and when they can be let off."

The campaign has the backing of the RSPCA, the COFFAW organisation and over 200 MPs.7.6.2002

http://www.tom-watson.co.uk/archives/000125.html

Gordon Marsden presents a petition of some 1,900 constituents in Blackpool, South, UK, who are supporters of restrictions on the sale and use of fireworks.

The petition states: àTo the House of Commons

<<The petition of the residents of Blackpool South declares that fireworks can cause unacceptable distress and disturbance if discharged on inappropriate days and at inappropriate times.

The Petitioners therefore request that this House of Commons urge the Government to conduct an urgent review of fireworks legislation and, in particular, to legislate (1) to restrict the times of the year fireworks can be bought, (2) to restrict the times of day that fireworks can be set off and (3) to license all vendors of fireworks to meet strict safety criteria and to give trading standards the power to revoke the licence of any vendors caught selling fireworks to under-age children.  

And the Petitioners remain, etc. …>> 26.2.2003

http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/cm200203/cmhansrd/vo030226/debtext/30226-36.htm

John Robertson (Glasgow, Anniesland) presents a petition calling for the urgent review of existing fireworks legislation, signed by over 3,758 by his constituents.

The petition <<declares that the existing legislation on fireworks is need to urgent review.

The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to bring forward legislative proposals to require all public firework displays to be controlled by licensed pyrotechnicians; to restrict the times of year that fireworks can be purchased; to restrict the time of day that fireworks can be used; to license all vendors of fireworks to meet strict safety criteria; and to revoke the licence of any vendor found selling fireworks to under-age children. And the petitioners remain, etc. …>> 26.2.2003

http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/cm200203/cmhansrd/vo030226/debtext/30226-36.htm

The petition in the name of Brenda Elridge of Nethermoor road, Tupton, Chesterfield and the other petitioners has been presented 11.2.2002 from Mr Harry Barnes (North-East Derbyshire) to the UK Parliament (House of Commons): http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/cm200102/cmhansrd/vo020211/debtext/20211-12.htm

<<The Petition declares that the exploding of fireworks to celebrate the demise of Guy Fawkes and other national celebrations such as New Year's Eve now extend by several days and even weeks both before and after the named event and that the fireworks sold for household use (which are also illegally exploded in the streets) are now louder, last longer and have a greater aerial range than previously, thus causing great distress and trauma to a multitude of domestic, wild and farm animals over a prolonged period, resulting in the need for veterinary care and the administration of tranquillisers. The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons shall urge the Home Office that the welfare and safety of all animals be considered whenever and wherever fireworks are exploded and to achieve this the House of Commons shall legislate for the period when fireworks are to be sold and to rework The Fireworks (Safety) Regulations 1997 (SI 1997 No 2294) and legislate for the type of firework available to unlicensed individuals and to limit the number of days that these fireworks may be exploded to two named days per national celebration and that the length of each display not exceed 2 hours.>>

Over 4,000 people have signed a City Council petition calling for a Coventry fireworks by-law to be established to counter the effects of noisy fireworks late at night (if successful, that would mean that it would be an offence to let off fireworks in Coventry between 11pm and 7am with specific exemptions.)

The petition, which also calls for a prohibition on the sale of the noisier Category 3 display fireworks to the general public and the introduction of a licensing scheme to retail fireworks instead of the current registration regime, will now be sent to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. 20.1.2003

http://www.coventry.gov.uk/cocoon/news/firework_petition_to_respark_debate.xml

Firework Campaign Petition:

I call on the Government to urgently review fireworks legislation and in particular:-

1.                  To require all public firework displays to be controlled by licensed pyrotechnicians.

2.                  To restrict the times of the year fireworks can be bought.

3.                  To restrict the times of the day fireworks can be set off.

4.                  To license all vendors of fireworks to meet strict safety criteria.

5.                  To give trading standards the power to revoke the license of any vendor caught selling fireworks to underage children.

Chris McCafferty MP, 15 Heptonstall Road, Hebden Bridge

http://www.mccafferty.btinternet.co.uk/Documents/0307Fireworks_petition.doc

Tom Brake, Liberal Democrat MP for Carshalton and Wallington is asking local residents to support a petition calling for better legislation on the sale and use of fireworks. The petition calls for increased legislation to regulate the sale, use and size of fireworks, specifically to:

1. Require all public firework displays to be controlled by a licensed pyrotechcnician.

2. Restrict the times of year fireworks can be bought.

3. Restrict times of day fireworks can be set off.

4. License all vendors of fireworks to meet strict safety criteria and to give Trading Standards the power to revoke the license of any vendor caught selling fireworks to underage children.

Mr Brake: "I strongly believe that action is necessary on this issue to curb the distress and growing nuisance that fireworks are causing throughout the year to both residents and their pets."

(mid-October 2003) http://www.tombrake.co.uk/Fireworks.htm

Private citizen petition: Fireworks are not Fun!

<<…to have a much stricter control on the sale and use of fireworks not to be sold before November, or after the 5^th november. Law enforcement for misuse of fireworks…>> http://www.ipetitions.com/campaigns/Fireworks/

à Discussion to the petition (Nov. 2002): http://www.ipetitions.com/boards/viewtopic.php?topic=1004&forum=6

John Barrett, Scottish Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, delivered at the 27.2.2003 to 10 Downing Street the names of over 3,000 of his constituents who supported his petition to toughen firework laws.

The petition says the following:

We the undersigned call on the Government to urgently review fireworks legislation and in particular
1. To restrict the times of the year fireworks can be bought.
2. To restrict the times of the day fireworks can be set off.
3. to license all vendors of fireworks to meet strict safety criteria and to give trading standards the power to revoke - the license of any vendor caught selling fireworks to underage children.
4. To require all public firework displays to be controlled by licensed pyro-technicians.

http://www.johnbarrettmp.com/news/press_releases/february03/27_1.html

Fireworks campaign moves to Westminster:

As part of the City Council's ongoing campaign to control the misuse of fireworks, local MP Jim Cunningham is to present the City Council's fireworks petition to Consumer Affairs Minister Melanie Johnson. The petition, with nearly 5,000 signatures, calls on the government to ban late night firework use, restrict the sale of the most powerful fireworks, and introduce a tough licensing scheme for fireworks retailers. 19.2.2003 http://www.coventry.gov.uk/cocoon/news/fireworks_campaign_moves_to_westminster.xml

Beijing/China launched a campaign to warn students across the city against the dangers of setting off fireworks 10 years after a ban on fireworks in the city. A task force of experts from local public security departments and hospitals started the campaign in Beihai Middle School and will visit other schools over the next few days.

"Experts warn Beijing students against fireworks", 25.12.2002, http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200212/25/eng20021225_109054.shtml

Deaths, injuries and fires occur too frequently when untrained consumers and children light fireworks. That's why The American Academy of Ophthalmology, The American Academy of Pediatrics, The American college of Emergency Physicians, The International Fire Marshals Association, The National Association of State Fire Marshals and NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) are calling for a ban on consumer fireworks use as Independence Day celebrations get underway.

"Leading Health And Fire Safety Advocates Urge Ban On Consumer Fireworks", 23.6.2003, http://cms.firehouse.com/content/article/article.jsp?id=13422&sectionId=46

Petition "Ban Fireworks in Namibia", organised by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and handed to the Minister of Environment and Tourism. SPCA officials indicated that they would push for a complete ban and would accept tighter restriction only as an interim measure.

Reports indicate that hundreds of animals were severely injured and many lost their lives due to the indiscriminate use of fireworks during new year festivities. The SPCA said many animals died not because of accidents but owing to the deliberate abuse of fireworks. The most common causes of death included burns from fireworks and animals dying from heart attacks when fireworks were set off very close to them. Many animals also injured themselves trying to jump over fences when scared by fireworks. 20.1.1999 http://www.namibian.com.na/Netstories/january99/fireworks.html

"Restricted use of fireworks" by Steve Pratt, MLA (Act Legislative Assembly/Canberra Liberals), 29.6.2003

à to the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly for the Australian Capital Territory.

The requests are:

1. Pass legislation that will ban the retail sale of shop good fireworks in the ACT.

2. Restrict the use of all fireworks to certified pyrotechnicians and government approved community organisations.

3. Permit community organisations restrictive use of fireworks only at the Queens Birthday Long weekend between 5pm-10pm on prescribed nights.

4. Introduce stricter penalties for the illegal sale and use of fireworks.

5. Ensure that penalties are enforced.

http://www.canberraliberals.org.au/newsroomdet.asp?ItemID=1918

Adrian Bailey MP : Fireworks Campaign

After launching a campaign for tough new controls on fireworks on Bonfire night last year Mr Bailey presented 3,000 signatures to No 10 Downing Street on the 26^th February 2003.

Under http://www.adrianbaileymp.org.uk/campaigns/fireworkscampaign.htm you find also

Fireworks Speech             30.10.2002

Fireworks Intervention      22.2.2003

Fireworks Press

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