An annual Salford fireworks display will be cut short and live music cancelled amid concerns for local livestock.
The Big Bang Firework Spectacular, set to take place at Boothstown Football Club on Saturday (October 26), has reportedly caused concern for people keeping animals at Moss House Farm.
The previously 15-minute display will be ‘condensed’ after organiser, North West Fun Fairs, came under scrutiny from those who keep their animals on the land.
One of those concerned about the display is Elise Clewarth, 22, who owns a horse which lives on the farm.
She said: “The proximity to the farm is dangerously close. Fireworks can have devastating effects with animals as it can lead to stress induced death.
“Particularly with horses stress induced colic which is fatal.”
She added that she only found out about the event through flyers around the village and that they weren’t contacted by the club at all prior to finding out.
“Once severely frightened and distressed its difficult to calm the animals down,” she added.
Siobhan Oshea another owner of horses on the land, spoke said that she has to medicate her animals prior to the event.
She said: “I shouldn’t have to constantly sedate my horse because of the fireworks.”
Elise has contacted organisations such as the British Horse Society and the Redwings Horse Sanctuary in seek of help and advice.
They informed her that a bill is set to enter Parliament this week regarding how close firework displays can be to livestock.
A spokesperson for North West Fun Fairs said: “”The firework display has been condensed for the animals’ safety but speaking to farmers all around the area, they are fine with it going ahead.
“If people want refunds because of this they can (have them), but fireworks are an English tradition and have been for 100s of years. We obviously don’t want to cancel it as a kid staring at fireworks is magical.”
The owners of Moss House Farm have reportedly not submitted any complaints to Boothstown FC or the organisers.
Following the complaints, Boothstown FC released a statement on Facebook: “We just wanted to confirm that the organiser has assured us that he has followed all the correct procedures for arranging such an event.
“All necessary documentation is in place and all relevant parties have been notified.
“We are excited to be able to help host events for the community and whilst we appreciate fireworks are not for everyone, there will be lots of other great stuff there for families on the Friday and the Saturday.
“We look forward to seeing those that wish to attend.”
The owners have since told Salford Now that the club will continue to host events and that the type and timing of these events will be ‘well thought through’.
Michael Wheeler, Labour MP for Worsley and Eccles, commented on the issue saying it is ‘important that we get the balance right’.
He added: “Organised fireworks displays run by local charities and organisations can be great, bringing together communities and raising vital funds for local causes.
“However, it is important to make sure that we also protect people, animals and the planet from the misuse of fireworks, and the stress and anxiety it can cause for some people, as well as to pets and livestock.
“My colleague, Sarah Owen MP, has introduced a Private Members’ Bill to remove the loudest fireworks from sale and to improve the protections for people, livestock and pets from the effects of the noise of fireworks.
“I know she’s working with the RSPCA, Dog’s Trust and Help for Heroes and I welcome her work on this Bill, which is due to be discussed again in Parliament in January next year.”
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