A call to restrict the use of fireworks to certain times of the year is due to be debated in Parliament.
Fireworks should only be allowed on “traditional dates” like New Year’s Eve and Guy Fawkes night, a petition which has gained more than 104,000 signatures, has urged.
The RSPCA is supporting the call for a restriction, saying animals are often left frightened and some have even run away due to fear caused by the loud bangs.
The organisation, which said it received 1,482 calls about fireworks in the last five years, has asked people to write to their local MP on the issue.
Julie Doorne, who started the petition, said it is about getting a balance between fun and the rights of pet owners.
She said: “The use of fireworks is getting out of control – while no one would want to stop people having fun or celebrating special dates like New Year’s Eve, these celebrations are going on for weeks during autumn and winter.
“I have heard examples of pet owners having to put their pets in boarding and even some owners moving house to more rural areas to escape the noise.”
Campaign manager Ari Winfield said the number of signatures reached shows there is “widespread public concern about this issue”, and said current legislation does not go far enough.
Although the issue is set for a debate on June 6, the Government has said it currently has “no plans” to further limit the use of fireworks to specific times of the year.
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills said:”Although there is some use of fireworks outside the traditional periods, we believe that the majority of people who use fireworks do so at the appropriate times of year and have a sensible and responsible attitude towards them.
“There are no plans at the moment to place further limitations on their use.”
