Do you think members of the public should be banned from purchasing fireworks for private displays?

A petition created by horse owner Judith Corrin of Foxdale has collected hundreds of signatures in favour of having restrictions on the explosives most associated with Bonfire Night and New Year’s Day.

She’s calling for an end to private displays and for the introduction of silent fireworks at public events to protect nervous pets.

David Cretney MLC will ask politicians if they should set up a committee to look over current fireworks law.

Currently, residents must give 10 days notice before firing fireworks around allotted times.

We asked members of the public what they thought.

’I think it would be sad to have them banned as there are lots of responsible people out there that can use them safely. I really love fireworks and I think they’re important for celebration,’ said Suzie Walker, 36, from Peel.

’It’s dead fun setting them off, but we do have a dog and it’s difficult when people set fireworks off at different times when you’re not expecting them. She really hates them and gets very wobbly.’

Jess Comish, 42, from Port Erin, said: ’It shouldn’t be banned, but give people the option to have silent ones.

’I’ve had horses all my life and they’ve not been that far away when we’ve set fireworks off and they were fine.

’I can understand that people with dogs would want them quietened down.’

Her daughter Abi Cowin, 16, said: ’My friend doesn’t like the sound of loud bangs and doesn’t ever watch firework shows with me.

’Having silent ones would make a difference.’

Douglas resident James Coyle, 26, said: ’I can see the perspective of the people who would consider it an inconvenience because of pets, but that being said it’s an occasion that’s on and it’s used to commemorate a certain event.’

In terms of a possible law change on private firework displays, he said: ’It’s individual choice. I don’t think government should interfere that much in people’s lives.’

Holly Talbot, 16, from Braddan, said: ’I completely agree about the animals needing to be looked after.

’When it comes to neighbours setting off unexpected fireworks it distresses our dog, which is just unfair.

’Our dog went missing after it took off over the gate because of a firework.

Her dad, Matty, said: ’We live near the hospital and we got a phone call saying our dog was at Glen Lough Campsite in Union Mills.’

He believes people should stick to allocated times, such as bonfire night, but doesn’t think silent fireworks will have the same crowd pleasing effect without the loud bangs.

Howard Parkin, 66, from Onchan, said: ’I think people should be able to have fun and celebrate what they want to celebrate, but I do feel for the animals.

’Organised events and displays work because people get notice. There’s nothing worse than when a firework goes off randomly. I think fireworks should be licenced.

’I question the need to send this to Tynwald.

’Just common sense is what’s needed and being mindful of vulnerable animals and vulnerable people.’