The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) has called for tighter restrictions on fireworks following the death of a baby red panda at Edinburgh Zoo on Bonfire Night.
Veterinary experts at the wildlife conservation charity believe it’s likely that three-month-old kit Roxie died due to stress caused by fireworks being let off across the city centre.
Ben Supple, RZSS deputy chief executive, said: “Roxie had recently lost her mum Ginger but was responding well to specialist care from our expert team and was feeding independently.
“Very sadly, she choked on her vomit on bonfire night and our vets believe this was probably a reaction to fireworks.
“Roxie had access to her den but the frightening noises seem to have been too much for her. We know that fireworks can cause stress to other animals in the zoo and we cannot rule out that they may have contributed to the untimely death of Roxie’s mother Ginger, just five days’ earlier.”
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It comes after a public petition calling for tighter restrictions on the use of fireworks - signed by more than a million people - was delivered to the UK Government last week.
Mr Supple added: “Fireworks can cause fear and distress for pets, livestock and animals in zoos, so it is essential that the UK and Scottish governments tighten restrictions on their sale and use.
“We support calls from animal welfare charities to ban the sale of fireworks to the public, with only light displays being permitted at organised events.
“This would help avoid devastating consequences for animals like Roxie while ensuring that people can still enjoy traditional celebrations.”
The wildlife conservation charity is calling on people to contact their local MP and MSP to support the petition delivered to the UK Government earlier this month.
Scottish community safety minister Siobhian Brown said: “Fireworks are very distressing for animals and this is sad news.
“I understand why there are a calls for a ban on fireworks, however this is a reserved issue to Westminster and not currently within the Scottish Government’s powers.
“I have written to the UK Government asking for a meeting to discuss what more can be done on fireworks regulations and will also continue to engage with partners to discuss what further action may be considered.
“Within our powers we have provided local authorities with powers to designate firework control zones, which ban the use of fireworks in local areas, and these were used for the first time this year in areas across Edinburgh over the Bonfire Night period.
“Community organisations are also able to apply to the council for their local area to be made a firework control zone.”
A UK Department for Business and Trade spokesperson said: “We endeavour to keep pets and the public safe and that’s why we launched a new fireworks safety campaign this season to help people use them safely and appropriately.”
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