ANIMAL charity chiefs have blasted the Government claiming it missed an opportunity to reduce the noise level of fireworks.
New firework regulations mean that it is now illegal for retailers to sell fireworks louder than 120bd, which is equivalent to a jet aircraft taking off, to the general public but RSPCA bosses said this was the maximum noise level specified in a voluntary code already in force.
Alan Goddard, RSPCA south east regional superintendent, said: "This legislation does nothing to alleviate the suffering of animals and the Government has missed a great opportunity to do something about it. Its failure sufficiently to reduce the noise level of fireworks means that thousands of animals will continue to suffer."
RSPCA chiefs said they were disappointed because the Government had ignored the charity's request for it to be compulsory for organisers of professional firework displays to alert pet owners so they could take steps to protect their pets.
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