The RSPCA is requesting all those in support of tighter restraints on the use of fireworks should write to their MPs, urging them to back a Private Members Bill to control these explosives.

Fireworks cause huge distress and injury to animals. An RSPCA survey of vets in England and Wales showed in one year alone 4,825 animals were treated for firework-related injuries or were prescribed sedatives because they were so frightened, or both. Sixteen animals were put to sleep because of their injuries and three animals were believed to have been the victims of deliberate attacks.

A new RSPCA report, Quiet Please, was launched on February 13, highlighting the need for a reduction in noise levels for those fireworks available for public use. This coincided with the launch of the Control of Fireworks Bill, which receives its second reading next Friday.

In order for this Bill to progress through Parliament and, perhaps, into future legislation, 100 MPs must attend and support this second reading. So, it is essential that as many people as possible write to their MP asking him or her to attend the House of Commons on February 28 to support the Bill.

The RSPCA web site, which contains details of our research and a downloadable copy of our new report, has a facility to fax your MP and sign the petition. You can access this at www.rspca.org.uk/

fireworks or you can write to your MP at the House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA.

Please help us ensure we get the necessary backing for this Bill to proceed and, in so doing, reduce the distress fireworks cause to hundreds of animals every year.

-Richard McCrow, RSPCA South East regional manager, Maidstone