Kerridge Slams Accessibility to Fireworks

SPCA Auckland Executive Director, Bob Kerridge, has spoken out in strong opposition to what he calls the ‘reckless availability’ of fireworks to the public.

Referring to the SPCA’s long running stance against the sale of fireworks to the public, even if limited, he expressed considerable concern about the uncontrolled access to any member of the public regardless of age or responsibility.

“Containers and back-yard sellers are popping up everywhere, you can buy them with your meat, and even have them delivered with your pizza,” Kerridge says. “The situation has become farcical, and definitely dangerous, as the sellers don’t care who they sell to.”

A parliamentary select committee is due to consider a petition calling for a ban on the public sale of fireworks today. The petition has more than 26,000 signatures and wants to make Guy Fawkes a safer time of the year. The Prime Minister has indicated that public sentiment is moving towards a ban but said that he was possibly worried the government would be perceived as ‘nanny statist’ if it moved against private fireworks.

Kerridge responds: “For those who consider a ban as an intrusion on their ‘fun’, they should consider the damage to property, serious injuries to humans, and the very real trauma suffered by so many animals often resulting in tragic circumstances for them. On the very first day of sale this year a terrified horse broke loose ending up on a public highway with the real danger of an horrific accident occurring.”

He also notes the public frustration where neighbours light fireworks not days, nor weeks, but for months following their purchase.

“There is only one solution to the dangers and ongoing nuisance of fireworks, and that is not to make them available to individuals, but rather enjoy controlled and spectacular public displays when warranted.”

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