Calls for review of fireworks law after incidents
UUP leader Jon Burrows has called for a review of fireworks laws in Northern Ireland.
The North Antrim MLA shared a photo of his dog on social media at the weekend and explained the pet’s fear of fireworks had left her needing the vet.
"My wee dog Nancy is petrified at this time of year,” he said on Saturday. “After a great run on the beach this morning, I’m hoping she’ll manage a deep snooze this evening - with help from medication prescribed by our vet.
“Preparing for a fireworks display is one thing. Managing days of random bangs that leave pets and livestock terrified is quite another.
“We’d be lost without our vets, just as we’d be lost without our pets. We’ve also got the Dogs Trust sound blanket playing soothing sounds for Nancy.”
Mr Burrows said The Ulster Unionist Party had brought a motion to the Assembly calling for a comprehensive review of fireworks laws.
"We still need that review - to better protect animals and people affected by fireworks, bangers and antisocial behaviour,” he said.
“If you’ve seen the impact of fireworks on your pets, please share your experience.”
The call also came after a toddler was injured when a firework was thrown close to her in Co Tyrone.
Fireworks were thrown outside a petrol station in Carrickmore on Saturday evening.
Police said the girl, who is under the age of two, sustained a burn injury on her forearm that required hospital treatment.
A spokesman said: “We received a report that a group of young people were throwing fireworks outside a petrol station in the Main Street area of the village at around 8.30pm last night, Saturday.”
“One firework which they threw into the road partially exploded and then bounced back, exploding for a second time beside a child who was in the area with her parents.
“She sustained a burn to her forearm, which required hospital treatment.
“This little girl was aged under two and it’s only by sheer luck that the consequences of this reckless act weren’t even more serious. The irresponsibility of throwing fireworks near a petrol station is shocking.
“There were four young men, aged in their mid-teens and wearing dark-coloured tracksuits, involved and we would appeal to anyone with information on the identity of those responsible to contact us.”
Meanwhile, fireworks were “intentionally directed” at fire crews during six incidents on Halloween night.
Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) responded to 89 incidents on Saturday.
The NIFRS said several of the calls, to which they responded between 6pm on Saturday and 1am on Sunday, were Halloween-related, including 23 bonfires.