I would like to address this letter to the general public and, in particular, those with immediate neighbours.

I was wondering if you ever stop to consider your neighbours and your neighbours' pets when having a private fireworks display?

Regardless of whether or not you have your own pets, who may or may not be bothered by fireworks, is it right to inflict half an hour to one hour of sheer terror (heart beating dangerously fast, frantic pacing, cowering and panicking) on someone else's pet(s) for the sake of your own human enjoyment? I think not.

I wish I could thank my neighbours - not my immediate ones, though - on behalf of my three cats and other pets for not inflicting three nights of sheer terror and bewilderment (November 5, 6 and 7) and the general public for another three - perhaps more (November 2, 3, 4 and so on).

Maybe next year people will be more considerate - even compassionate - but, somehow, I doubt it.

-Jane Leaney, Veterinary nurse, Portslade