Jon Burrows backs urgent review of Northern Ireland’s fireworks laws amid widespread distress

Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) North Antrim MLA Jon Burrows, with his much-loved companions Cassie and Maggie.

Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) MLA Jon Burrows has voiced strong support for reforming Northern Ireland’s fireworks legislation, describing the current situation as “deeply distressing” for families, pet owners, and communities affected by irresponsible use.

The North Antrim MLA, who is a well-known dog lover, said his own pet suffers panic attacks during fireworks season — and warned that random, prolonged use makes it impossible for owners to manage their animals’ anxiety.

Mr Burrows said:

“My own dog Nancy has panic attacks when there are fireworks. I know from personal experience that it is possible to manage your pet’s anxiety over one evening — but not when fireworks are happening randomly, day after day.

“We’ve listened to pet owners and also communities blighted by antisocial behaviour and brought this motion as a result. Responsible and safe use of fireworks is paramount.”

His comments came as UUP Deputy Leader and Lagan Valley MLA Robbie Butler called for a comprehensive review of Northern Ireland’s Explosives (Fireworks) Regulations (NI) 2002, describing them as “no longer fit for purpose” after another Halloween marred by misuse and distress across communities.

UUP Deputy Leader and Lagan Valley MLA Robbie Butler

Mr Butler said:

“I was made aware of a family who, devastatingly, had their beloved dog put down after suffering a stroke from such severe anxiety over several nights of relentless fireworks.

“The pain that family has gone through is unimaginable. Sadly, that is not an isolated case. Year after year, we hear similar heartbreaking stories from people whose pets are terrified, disorientated, and in some cases, fatally affected.”

He added that the impact of fireworks extends beyond animal welfare:

“It is also vital to understand that these fireworks have a human toll. For many veterans, first responders, or anyone living with trauma or heightened sensitivity to noise, fireworks can trigger panic attacks, flashbacks, and extreme emotional distress.

“These are people who often already struggle with daily challenges. The unpredictability and intensity of fireworks make this time of year deeply distressing.”

The UUP deputy leader said the legislation governing fireworks was written “for a very different time”, long before the widespread availability of powerful fireworks and the scale of antisocial behaviour now associated with their use.

“The Explosives (Fireworks) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2002 have simply not kept pace with the realities of the changing nature of fireworks and must be reviewed,” Mr Butler said.

“This is not about stopping people from celebrating responsibly; it’s about protecting the vulnerable, safeguarding our animals, and ensuring our communities can enjoy festivities safely and with respect for others.”

He added that the issue “touches almost every home in Northern Ireland in some way” — from frightened pets and elderly neighbours to veterans struggling with flashbacks.

“It’s time for some common-sense thinking and proper regulation,” he said.