Comments - October 2003 (please be patient while page downloads)
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October 31st 2003

We have fireworks going off for about 3 weeks here. We have a dog and she is a nervous wreck this time every year, so we have to take her to my parents as she gets too distressed. I think fireworks should only be used for organised events. What's the point in teling people to keep there pets in doors when there are fireworks if there is no exact date for this war zone now ? Keep up the good work (good luck).

M.S, Southampton, UK

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October 31st 2003

Yes, I'm afraid it's time to ban fireworks. They're no longer little bangers etc, they're High Explosives and they are being give to children to play with. What kind of stupid society would do that ?
I'm not trying to stop anyones fun, I enjoy fireworks but the whole thing is getting way out of hand.
Plus, why do they go on sale so early ? If not to sell to kids to set off before the event !!. Surely Firework companies don't expect us to 'Stockpile' these things for months !

C.F, London, UK

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October 31st 2003

There is no need for the public sale of fireworks as there are plenty of well organised displays all Year round for people including myself to enjoy.

M.S, Southampton, UK

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*** Star Comment - October 31st 2003

I grew up in New Zealand, where fireworks are banned. Each year at Guy Fawkes there is a public fireworks display in the centre of the city - allowing enjoyment for all in a controlled environment without harm to our beloved pets and local wildlife.

C.F, London, UK

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October 30th 2003

Fireworks are being abused to the detriment of everyone's quality of life. It is time to ban their sale to the general public and to create an offence making their use illegal except under license.

P.C, Southampton, UK

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October 30th 2003

I have only heard of stories and I am from NZ where they banned the general sale of fireworks, which is brilliant. If they can ban it in NZ there is no reason why they can't ban it in UK.

R.W, London, UK

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*** Star Comment - October 30th 2003

Our late dog used to be terrified of fireworks. For about 2 months of each year we couldnt walk her in the evenings, she wouldnt even go outside to the toilet some nights. It was so distressing for her. So we spent many nights up all night with tv on loud, trying to nurse her to sleep. At least we were able to be with her - no-one shows any consideration for the animals in the wild. And there are those who dont have such understanding owners.
Please help to Ban the Bang - they can be pretty and effective without having to be loud.!

Z.R, Telford, UK

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October 30th 2003

I wish to see a total ban on the loud exploding fireworks. There is no need for such loud fireworks. And there should be absolutely no way the public can get them weeks before nov 5.

M.B, Chesire, UK

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October 29th 2003

I am sick of hearing fireworks, especially these new military strength types, up to one month before and after Nov 5. I have nothing agains't professional, organised events but the sale of fireworks to the general public should be stopped immediately. Who cares if a few neds(of all ages) lose out on a bit of fun - at least our pets will be stress free !

M.H, Scotland

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October 29th 2003

Last year we had 16 consecutive nights of fireworks, in late Oct early Nov. This year they started in early Sept. My cat is too petrified to go out at night and November is not yet here. I hear many complaints fron pet owner and the elderly, also poeple with young children. They should be BANNED.

L.B, Eastleigh, UK

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October 29th 2003

Please please try to ban fireworks. My poor dog just doesn't know what to do or where to go. It is disgraceful the way they are let off any old time, any old day. I say - ban them all as they have done in Singapore.

M.J, Greenford, UK

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October 29th 2003

Anti-social behaviour driven by profiteering. each year the fireworks get louder and are used in an unacceptably aggressive manner.

J.B, Sheffield, UK

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October 29th 2003

There should be a law preventing people from buying / setting off loud fireworks on days other than Guy Fawkes night and New Years Day.

D.R, Orpington, UK

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October 29th 2003

I think we should all take our vet bill to the shops selling fireworks and make them pay, STOP FIREWORK SALES.

J.D, Croydon, UK

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October 29th 2003

All Fireworks must be completely banned. They should only be used for display purposes (eg New Years Day)by a designated member of the community, and far from a residential area.

P.R, London, UK

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October 29th 2003

I have a old english sheepdog, who is terrified of the loud fireworks. That I unable to take her for a walk during the months or Oct/Nov and Dec (unless it's during the day time) as when she hears them she panics and wants run away. I live in the countryside so it is actually dangerous for the both of us as they are no pavements/ sidewalks to go on when traffic comes along. We have also got the problem (in our village) of youngsters letting off fireworks during the early evening and last week they blow up our local telephone box.

B.J, Kent, UK

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October 29th 2003

The latest thing seems to be fireworks (at great expense) to celebrate weddings. AARGH!!
Fireworks frightened my rabbit last year on a day other than 5 November when my neighbours had a display in their very small back garden.
It would be better if the fireworks could only be sold to RESPONSIBLE adults and could only be let off on certain dates ant then those people with pets would at least have the chance of keeping them safe.
I object to the widespread use of fireworks all year round and woud imagine that they are an environmental hazard.
I THINK THEY SHOULD BE BANNED ALTOGETHER.

S.W, Worcester, UK

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October 28th 2003

I believe there should be a total ban on the sale of fireworks in the UK.
My husband was killed at our wedding reception by an illegal firework that was bought as a 'surprise' gift.
In Australia, most states already have a total ban on sale of fireworks with no detriment to the 'fun' people have to celebrate special events. There are enough professional venues to attend to compensate.

S.K, UK

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October 28th 2003

I own a dog who is terrified of loud bangs and, personally speaking, I hate this destruction of the peace and quiet. You have my complete support.

P.M, Wales

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October 28th 2003

One of our dogs is terrified of the loud bangs from fireworks. Also the farm animals in the fields around me get frightened of the bright lights loud bangs and that follow..

P.D, UK

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October 28th 2003

Further to my comment already posted, our local Councillor is now showing an interest in this problem. Local wedding receptions can now include a firework display.
I don't want to be a stick in the mud, but things have become very silly now with regard to loudness and when let-off. A friend who I work with had a near miss the other evening. She was walking home from her local station in Kent and a rocket went whoooshing past her head from nowhere, and heard people (kids?) running off.. The incident made her feel sick. Our local Martins the newsagents was selling fireworks at half price about a month ago. During the 50's, 60's......we were able to buy fireworks underage but never ever dreamed of terrorising people or animals. Bearing in mind that the stuff available then was very tame to todays standards.

N.DW, UK

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October 28th 2003

If you want buy a gun in the uk you have to go through a process to see if you're suitable to own one. You can buy a firework if you are over the age of 18. Fireworks and guns are the same to me - very dangerous and cause a nuissance to all sensible people out there especially those with pets and a care for animals. These weapons should not be available to the public.

H.F, UK

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October 28th 2003

Further to my comment already posted, our local Councillor is now showing an interest in this problem. Local wedding receptions can now include a firework display. Things are getting very silly now..

N.DW, UK

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October 28th 2003

Enough is enough how can I help get rid of this firework problem.

C.G, UK

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October 28th 2003

I own two young cats who have been absolutely terrified this past week by gangs of youths letting off fireworks during the day and late at night. This cannot be allowed to continue.

N.B, Hampshire, UK

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October 28th 2003

I feel for my dog please help

J.P, Leeds, UK

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October 28th 2003

My dog is terrified and will not go outside leading to accidents. Fireworks going on until midnight so unable to sleep.

J.R, Tipton, UK

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October 28th 2003

I feel for my dog please help

J.P, Leeds, UK

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October 27th 2003

Dogs have to be drugged on November 5. At other times no chance. One bites her tail until it bleeds. They bark incessantly and I'm the one that could go to court! .

K.R, Market Harborough, UK

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October 27th 2003

This year people have been setting off VERY loud fireworks off and on for the past few weeks. It infuritates me as my own animals are terrified and goodness knows what the effect is on strays etc. We are told to keep our animals in on Guy Fawkes night but how can we when they are being set off now?

E.F, Caithness, UK

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October 26th 2003

Fireworks are dangerous and upset domestic pets as well as wildlife, I own 2 cats and 1 dog and on the traditional night 5th November I am quite prepared to keep my pets indoors and sedate my dog with the aid of my vet, but with the firework season now starting at the end of Sept and not finishing till January this is impossible.
I fear for my cats lives when they are out due to the sadistic stories you hear about fireworks being thrown at animals by children, which leagally should not be able to buy fireworks but shops do not seem to care who they sell them too.
My dog is a nervous wreck and is now 15 years old and I fear for her live as I am quite convinced she will have a heart attack, I cannot sedate her for 5 months of the year, and thats without religious events, birthdays etc etc.
Please Please can we ban the sale of these fireworks and stick to controlled firework displays only this is also a safer option for children.

J.H, Essex, UK

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October 26th 2003

I've no sympathy for the fools who lose fingers or burn themselves. maybe it's the only way they can learn. Organised displays once a year only!!

D.A, Huddersfield, UK

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October 26th 2003

Fireworks are dangerous and upset domestic pets as well as wildlife, I own 2 cats and 1 dog and on the traditional night 5th November I am quite prepared to keep my pets indoors and sedate my dog with the aid of my vet, but with the firework season now starting at the end of Sept and not finishing till January this is impossible.
I fear for my cats lives when they are out due to the sadistic stories you hear about fireworks being thrown at animals by children, which leagally should not be able to buy fireworks but shops do not seem to care who they sell them too.
My dog is a nervous wreck and is now 15 years old and I fear for her live as I am quite convinced she will have a heart attack, I cannot sedate her for 5 months of the year, and thats without religious events, birthdays etc etc.
Please Please can we ban the sale of these fireworks and stick to controlled firework displays only this is also a safer option for children..

J.H, Essex, UK

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October 26th 2003

I used to love these as a kid. Now I feel optical effects are cool but loud bangs really upset any animals in the area.

P.L, Liverpool, UK

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October 25th 2003

Once again, the time is here when those lower on the evolutionary ladder feel the need to let off fireworks weeks before and after Nove 5th. In the process animals, children and people in their homes needlessly have their privacy breached. Its time to completly ban fireworks. If you want to see them go to an organized evening where you can enjoy fireworks ONCE a year in controlled conditions.

S.C, Shoreham, UK

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October 25th 2003

VERY concerned about the increased "decibel levels" of fireworks as well as the use of them indiscriminately, (e.g. not only on Nov5th ) A recent neighbours use of "banging" fireworks, (without any prior warning), severely traumatised our elderly & sick cat! The noise was even loud enough to set off our car alarm!

L and M G, Cheltenham, UK

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October 25th 2003

I'm not against people having fun, however I am sick of the idiots who seem to think i want to hear fireworks day & night for weeks! I have 2 cats and a puppy are scared to leave the house! So for everyones sake BAN them .

A.M, West Lothian, UK

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October 25th 2003

From October to December people in my area of London live a nightmare. Every night there is a constant succession of loud explosions from fireworks. the police, as ever, do nothing.

J.C, London, UK

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October 25th 2003

It's a crazy situation when we allow our children to be endangered by these explosive devices.

M.S, London, UK

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October 25th 2003

Please ban the public sale of all fireworks that annually cause injuries and so much stress to poor animals!!! Stop being selfish and start caring about other souls around us!!!!

C.D, Romania

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*** Star Comment - October 25th 2003

Fireworks get louder every year and the danger to people and animals can no longer be ignored. My heart nearly jumps out of my chest at some of these super-fireworks and it sickens me to think of the suffering caused to vulnerable people and animals.
LOUD FIREWORKS MUST MUST BE BANNED!

H.W, London, UK

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October 25th 2003

Please ban the public sale of all fireworks that annually cause injuries and so much stress to poor animals!!! Stop being selfish and start caring about other souls around us!!!!

C.D, Romania

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October 25th 2003

It's about time some thing was done - sooner the better.

M.F, Brighton, UK

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October 25th 2003

As soon as the first fireworks star going off my dog starts shaking and hiding. i find the noise unbearable, it is not acceptable, any time. People let them off anywhere, anytime. Ban them now!

H.R, London, England

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October 25th 2003

I think fireworks should only be let off at properly licenced functions preferably two or three days either side of 5th November depending on where the weekend falls.

M.H, Warrington, UK

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October 25th 2003

My dog barks uncontrollably during the firework season. And then i get a letter from the council about dog noise!... What a cheek!

G.DG, England

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October 25th 2003

Keep it to one night, then we are prepared, why spoil all the fun. But not for weeks leading up to it and weeks after. where I live it can happen anytime of the year, its hell for all my animals.

D.L, UK

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October 25th 2003

My dog was hit by a car when a fright from a firework (during the day) caused her to run from the park and into the road. It was heartbreaking and it needs to stop.

A.E, Scotland

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October 24th 2003

Far to many teenagers and children have easy access to fireworks without any of the sense of responsibility.

K.R, Co Durham, UK

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October 24th 2003

These stupid explosives are just another commercial opportunity for moronic individuals who care nothing for the anguish and suffering of our pets. My two Beardies are on the verge of total breakdown every year - and not just on bonfire night!! - No... parties abound between late october and late january with the obligatory 30 minute salvo forming a finale for the beer-swilling mob - What have we sunk to?

M.D, UK

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October 24th 2003

I am so pleased that this issue is coming out into the open. One of our dogs has to have sedatives now. Am sick and tired of fireworks all year round.

A.D, Essex, UK

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October 24th 2003

My dogs are terrified by fireworks. I'd ban all bangs and just go for nice colours.

R.B, Worcestershire, UK

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October 24th 2003

I am so pleased that this issue is coming out into the open. One of our dogs has to have sedatives now. Am sick and tired of fireworks all year round.

A.D, Essex, UK

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*** Star Comment - October 23rd 2003

Having worked in animal shelters for a few years, in the UK I have witnessed first hand the increase in lost pets and strays coming in during traditional firework seasons..

L.J, Battersea Dogs Home, UK

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October 23rd 2003

Ban them, they too often get into the hands of idiots (including shopkeepers)!!!! Public displays would get better too!!.

A.L, Swansea, UK

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October 23rd 2003

I have heard so many stories of dogs bolting away from fireworks and being run over etc, I hardly dare take mine out at this time of year. Animals are our best friends and shouldn't be subjected to this.

S.W, Sheffield, UK

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October 23rd 2003

They have become increasingly louder. They are used all year round instead of just on 5th Nov, whereby you could keep your pets in. Should just be local displays on 5th November.

Z.D, London, UK

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October 21st 2003

The five freedoms - 1 freedom from hunger and thirst. 2 freedom from discomfort. 3 freedom from fear and distress. 4 freedom from pain, injury and disease. 5 freedom to express normal behaviour. Tell me which animal appreciates not having freedom. Today we saw FREE fireworks when you spend £10. Wishes from Iffy and Jason "PEACE".

G.K, Kent, UK

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October 20th 2003

I love watching fireworks, but kids use them as weapons, they have to go. Please ban Fireworks.

J.G, London, UK

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October 20th 2003

The firework season is getting longer and longer - we've been hearing them for weeks and it's only 21 October!.

S.E, Doncaster, UK

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October 20th 2003

All fireworks sales should be banned except for organised displays. Private sales must be completely outlawed!!!

O.M, Hebden Bridge, UK

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October 20th 2003

THOUGHT THE WORLD HAD NOT ENOUGH MONEY TO FEED THEIR POPULATION, WHY THE HELL THIS RIDICULOUS FIREWORKS THAT COSTS A FORTUNE ?????!.

N.B, Belgium

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October 20th 2003

Fireworks are a nuisance for humans and animals. Ban this noisy and dangerous practice

I.G, Bazel, Belgium

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October 19th 2003

Fireworks practically every night. Very loud, and they ditress my pet dog terribly..

C.T, Wales

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October 18th 2003

We have loud displays all through the summer from Cardiff bay about 10 this year. this week Oct 12-17 fireworks have gone off evry night on one night until 2.30am . we are losing sleep as it wakes us up and our greyhound is a terrified wreck

G.T, Cardiff, UK

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October 17th 2003

They are annoying and dangerous and harsh on pets.

J.W, n/a

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*** Star Comment - October 18th 2003

Ban the BANG ! Once more nature is being raped and brought into imbalance by humans, who think they rule the world, and have no respect for nature which after all they are part of.

S.W, Belgium

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October 17th 2003

Every night feels like bonfire night and I have had enough.

K.T, Wales, UK

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*** Star Comment - October 17th 2003

I have just become a guidedog owner this year and now it is firework season I am experiencing the full impact it can have when you have a working dog. The nights are now longer which is when I need the dog most, unfortunately I cannot risk taking the dog out at this time of year. I have been against home firework displays for many years before becomeing a guidedog owner, but now it is actually making my life difficult - BAN THE BANG!

G.Q, UK

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*** Star Comment - October 11th 2003

My poor old black labrador dog spends most nights hiding in fear around this area from about 5 oclock onwards. Its constant. God knows what it must be like for the wildlife.

J.B, Kent, UK

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October 13th 2003

Our dog is terrifeid of the bangs from fireworks. She suffers every day and night, from the beginning of October until atleast the end of February, every year.

D.F, York, UK

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October 11th 2003

I have 2 dogs and 2 cats and know only too well the suffering that fireworks can cause. i am also very concerned about the effect fireworks have on wildlife. All animals deserve a life free from fear.

S.F, Glasgow, UK

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October 9th 2003

My poor dog is going to fade away with nerves. It's led to him being afraid of anything with a loud bang. He has to be heavily sedated every time and the occasions are increasing.

N.W, Colchester, UK

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October 7th 2003

I own an elderly horse, who used to tolerate fireworks. However as they have become louder he is now completely terrified of any loud bangs. This has now made him dangerous to handle for the period of bonfire night - which is becoming longer and longer. If his heart doesn't give up in fear the damage he is doing to his legs wil be the death of him. I have had this horse 25 years and do not want to lose him to fear.

M.L, Lancs, UK

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*** Star Comment - October 5th 2003

NOT ONLY DO THEY FRIGHTEN MY DOG ALL YEAR ROUND, BUT I AM DISSABLED AND THEY FRIGHTEN ME.

C.B, Welling, UK

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*** Star Comment - October 5th 2003

I have 2 dogs and 2 cats. One of my dogs is so frighened that two days ago fireworks had been going off all day, and 20 past six in the morning one went off very loudly. She was in a right state shaking being sick running around the house bumping into things. I really thought she was going to drop and never get up again.
I got 400 names last year asking to do something about the noise - handed it into local M.P. But it is worse this year, I think now it should be displays only without the noise. I am taking my pets away before 5th nvember. I can't see her sufer like this on the worst day of the year. September until February they will be going off, disgusting.

A.S, Manchester, UK

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*** Star Comment - October 1st 2003

I am heartily sick of the mindless racket to which a few thugs subject my neigbourhood for months on end as soon as the evenings grow darker. They don't enjoy fireworks, they enjoy noise and annoying others.

J.H, Bristol, UK

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October 1st 2003

I feel passionate about this cause because I live with the daily suffering of my dogs. One refuses to go outside now when it is dark. I witness his shaking and the way he tries to hide. And it is unnecessary. That is what makes me angry. He doesn't need to suffer. A ban is needed. Now..

S.P, Reading, UK

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