Call for nationwide ban on fireworks sales a year after baby red panda died

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) has renewed its call for a national ban on the public sale of fireworks, saying “loud and unpredictable” pyrotechnics continue to cause distress to animals and people.

The call comes one year after baby red panda Roxie tragically died at Edinburgh Zoo as a result of stress caused by fireworks being let off across the city centre.

Her mother Ginger had died five days earlier, with zoologists saying her death could also have been attributable to stress from fireworks.

The wildlife conservation charity launched its campaign for a ban last year, and has worked with Police Scotland, local schools and the City of Edinburgh Council to raise awareness of the dangers fireworks can pose.

The campaign has led to the creation of a fireworks control zone around Corstorphine – where the zoo is located – for the first time this year.

The charity has welcomed the move, but called on the authorities to go further to protect people and animals.

Ben Supple, deputy chief executive of RZSS, said: “While the new exclusion zone is a very positive step, loud and unpredictable fireworks continue to cause real distress for animals and people across Scotland.

“Roxie’s death was a tragic reminder of how dangerous this issue can be.

“We hope everyone will think carefully about the impact of fireworks and support our call for a national ban on their public sale.”

RZSS said research showed that sudden, high-volume noise can trigger panic, injury and even death in wildlife and domestic animals.

It points out that this is not just a welfare issue for zoos, but also for pets, farm animals and wild species living near built-up areas, all of which can be harmed.

The charity is calling for displays to be restricted to organised events which use the latest light and drone technology and are completely silent.

Doing so, it said, would ensure people can still enjoy traditional celebrations like Bonfire Night and Hogmanay, while helping avoid “devastating” consequences for animals.

There are nine fireworks control zones in force in the capital from October 31 to November 9 – covering Balerno, Calton Hill, Corstorphine, Gracemount, Longstone, Moredun, Niddrie, Seafield and Sighthill.