Discarded fireworks found this morning at a local beauty spot have highlighted the dangers of fireworks to livestock and wildlife.
Twitter user YorkshireRelic photographed this image of the fireworks, which appear to have been discarded at the rural location between Beckwithshaw and Fewston last night.
The forest is home to wildlife, including deer and several bird species. Sheep graze in nearby fields. It is also popular with walkers and mountain bikers.
YorkshireRelic, who described themselves to the Stray Ferret as a local resident and dog-walker, tweeted:
“Bet the poor sheep just hated their evening. Someone could have cleaned up at least. Quite shameful.”
Conservative Washburn councillor Victoria Oldham, who is also a farmer, said the fireworks posed a risk to animals.
She told the Stray Ferret:
“Fireworks are a potential danger to livestock and although the ground is sodden at the moment and the chances of fire are unlikely, it’s always something to be born in mind.”
According to a 2019 survey carried out by the British Veterinary Association, around 1 in 14 vets reported seeing animals with firework-related injuries over the course of a year.
Read more:
Tonight is bonfire night and although all public celebrations have been cancelled due to the lockdown, Harrogate Borough Council advised people to recycle discarded fireworks.
The council tweeted:
“Please do not put fireworks in the bin. All used and unused fireworks should be taken to your local household waste recycling centre where they will be disposed of safely.”
