Wiltshire farmers call for tighter rules on private fireworks displays

In a report by Will Glennon, BBC One West said farmers in Wiltshire have joined calls for better management of private fireworks displays after frightened cattle damaged fences and injured themselves on barbed wire during past shows. The National Farmers Union says its members want tougher regulation, the development of quieter fireworks and advance notice of displays, according to the report.

Peter Shallcross, who farms cattle near Tisbury, told BBC One West that the main problem is the loud bang, which is unexpected for a cow or other livestock. He said the noise makes animals run away without knowing where it comes from. In a barn, he said, they could run over and trample a calf. They could also escape from a building or field, hurt themselves or get onto a road and cause traffic problems.

Shallcross told the channel that he had seen cows go round and round inside buildings after a church display was held too close. The animals were not hurt, he said, but he did not let the display happen there again.

He said the NFU is calling for a reduction in the loudest explosions as part of a balanced approach. He distinguished between private and public displays, saying public displays carry less risk because neighbours are generally told about them. Private displays, he said, can happen with nobody knowing and are more likely to be close to animals.

BBC One West reported that the government is reviewing fireworks laws and said it was currently assessing feedback to a consultation on fireworks held earlier this year. The NFU said it wants reduced noise, recognition of the risk and a balanced approach that protects celebrations as well as farm animals, the report added.