Question 1: Are there any other particular F2 and F3 fireworks products that you think the general public should not be allowed to buy? Please state which products and give your reasons.
Our position:
Cats Protection is concerned that the easy access to fireworks and poor enforcement of existing legislation is having a detrimental impact on animal welfare.
Cats Protection recognises that many people enjoy fireworks as part of celebrations, but the public sale of fireworks causes significant and often unpredictable distress to cats, other pets, wildlife and people. Therefore, Cats Protection believes that the government should limit the sale of fireworks to Category F1 fireworks (such as sparklers), while encouraging those who wish to enjoy larger fireworks to attend organised displays instead.
The unpredictable nature of loud noises, scent and flashes from fireworks can be terrifying for cats and can cause them stress resulting in physiological and behavioural changes.
Firework debris in the area where fireworks have been set off can be dangerous to cats. Debris can stay hot and burn a cat’s mouth, and the heavy metal used in the colour effect of many fireworks can be toxic if a cat licks it.
Cats Protection also supports the successful completion an online safety course, including an animal safety module, to obtain a fireworks license to be able to hold fireworks displays. There must be a clear requirement for the professional licence holder to give their local community notice about an organised firework display taking place.
Useful stats:
Remember to include your own experiences.
Question 2: If more products are added to the regulation 33 banned list, what consequences might there be for consumers, industry, enforcement authorities, professional users, and others? Please give your reasons.
Our position:
Cats Protection believes that all Category F2 and F3 fireworks should be added to the banned list, this could have significant benefits for cats, their owners, animal welfare organisations, and people. Restricting all fireworks outside of the Category F1 is likely to improve public safety and animal welfare.
Restricting access to fireworks would lessen the risk of cats fleeing in panic. Frightened cats may run into roads, become lost, or sustain injuries.
These changes would create a much clearer distinction between fireworks that may be sold to the public (Category F1 only) and those that may not. This would provide greater clarity for businesses, consumers and enforcement authorities, helping to make the regulations easier to understand and enforce.
Remember to include your own experiances.
Question 3: Do you agree that regulation 33(1)(g) should be amended to make explicit that a firework comprising more than one shot tube is banned from sale to the general public?
Our position:
Agree.
Cats Protection would support this measure, but feels that the regulation must go much further by prohibiting the sale of fireworks other than Category F1 to the general public.
Question 5: Are there any other specific F1 and P1 pyrotechnics that should have their regulatory requirements increased or decreased? Please state which products, what regulatory requirements you think they should have and give your reasons.
Our position:
Cats Protection does not support reducing the regulatory requirements for any Category F1 fireworks.
Even lower-category pyrotechnics can cause fear and stress in cats if used irresponsibly or unexpectedly. Regulatory requirements should therefore prioritise public safety and animal welfare.
Remember to include your own experiences.
Question 6: Do you agree the decibel level of fireworks consumers use should be lowered? Choose one of the following options:
Our position:
Yes, to 90dB (A,imp) (reducing perceived loudness by approximately seven-eights).
Question 7: What might be the positive impacts of reducing the maximum decibel level of fireworks available to the general public? Please explain your answer, providing evidence where possible.
Our position:
The unpredictable nature of loud noises and flashes from fireworks can be terrifying for cats. Cats associate sudden loud noises and flashes of light with imminent threat, and their natural instinct is to flee. If they are outdoors during a firework display, cats can quickly become disorientated, run into traffic, or become lost.
Reducing the decibel levels would help alleviate some of these impacts, However, Cats Protection believes the government’s proposals should go further and supports a ban on the sale of fireworks to the general public (Category F2 and F3) and supports reducing the decibel levels of all fireworks (including those used at public events) to be lowered to 90dB.
Useful stats:
- 69% of cat owners report that their cat has been affected by fireworks (CATS Report 2026)
Remember to include your own experiences.
Question 9: How much lead in time would businesses need to prepare for the changes proposed in this consultation and why? Please state a lead in time in months or years, and explain your answer, providing evidence where possible.
Our position:
Cats Protection believes these changes should be implemented without unnecessary delay. Any delay means more cats, other animals and people are exposed to avoidable fear, stress and potential injury.
It is also essential that any new regulations are supported by adequate guidance, training and resources for enforcement bodies to ensure they can be implemented consistently and effectively.