Dogs Trust 'disappointed' after Glasgow City Council refuses firework ban near rehoming centre

An animal charity has said it is “disappointed” after the council rejected its plea to ban fireworks in the area of its rehoming centre in Glasgow.

Dogs Trust had appealed to Glasgow City Council in June to introduce a firework control zone in the Broomhouse area.

The move would put restrictions on the use of fireworks in the area except for public displays.

Last month, the charity heard that its application had been unsuccessful following a public consultation and consideration by a panel consisting of Glasgow City Council, Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

Dogs Trust has appealed this decision, arguing that the Scottish Government’s guidance on implementing thee zones clearly states that the impact of unpredictable fireworks on animals is grounds for establishing a zone.

However, Glasgow City Council has since confirmed that while the application will be reviewed, there is now not enough time to review and implement a zone by Bonfire Night 2024.

Laura Foster, associate director of rehoming at Dogs Trust, said: “Fireworks season is a really difficult time for dogs in our care.

“Our Glasgow rehoming centre is particularly affected as it is located in a residential area, where private displays are frequent and unpredictable.

“We don’t understand the reason behind the initial refusal of our application; Scottish Government’s guidance on implementing Firework Control Zones clearly states that the impact of unpredictable fireworks on animals is grounds for establishing a zone.

“It’s incredibly disappointing that our initial application was unsuccessful, and now there is not enough time for the panel to review our appeal ahead of the impending firework season.”

Research shows that fireworks affect up to half of the UK’s pet dogs, with 45% of owners reporting that their dogs aren’t always calm when fireworks are set off, according to the charity’s National Dog Survey.