Charity urges stricter firework rules to safeguard animals in Scotland

OneKind has formally appealed to the community safety minister, urging tighter firework controls to protect animal welfare. Jason Rose, the charity’s chief executive, criticized the Scottish Government’s 2022 Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles Act for failing to impose purchase and usage limits, and for falling short on training and licensing requirements. He pointed out that two essential provisions of the legislation have not been activated four years after its passage, rendering the law ineffective.

Rose emphasized that many animals suffer from the loud bangs and bright flashes during firework displays, and that owners can only mitigate harm if they know when and where fireworks will occur. He reminded officials that local authorities already have the authority to designate Firework Control Zones, where igniting fireworks is a criminal offence, and urged wider adoption of these zones. Several such zones were established in 2025 and are expected to continue this year.