With Bonfire Night looming, a Senedd Member has called on the Welsh Government to do more to protect people and animals from loud, persistent and prolonged fireworks.

South Wales East regional MS Peredur Owen Griffiths, who represents Plaid Cymru, raised the issue in during a Business Questions session in the Senedd.

Mr Griffiths said the period in which fireworks are set off has become elongated in recent years, causing anxiety to people and animals alike.

He said: “What used to be one night of anxiety for people and animals who are afraid of loud noises has become considerably longer.

“With public displays also being limited due to Covid, it appears that there could be more private garden displays this year, more than ever. The RSPCA briefing earlier this week, as part of their Bang Out of Order campaign, made it clear the devastating impact this can have on animals.

“We also know that some people, particularly those who served in the armed forces, can be traumatised by a succession of loud bangs.

He added: “The issue is largely a reserved matter – for now at least – and the Tory Government has been typically passive, despite strong evidence for proactive action coming from the Westminster Petitions Committee.”

But Mr Griffiths added that more can be one in Wales. He asked the Welsh Government if it would encourage retailers to stock quieter fireworks and force public displays to be advertised well in advance. He also called for the Welsh Government to launch a public awareness campaign about the adverse impact of fireworks.

Responding to Mr Griffiths, Trefnydd of the Senedd Lesley Griffiths MS said: “I’m well aware of the work that the RSPCA have been doing and I absolutely support that. When I was the Minister with responsibility for this, I had many discussions with UK Government Ministers to see what could be done, and I know the Minister for Climate Change [Julie James MS] is continuing to have those discussions.”

Ms Griffiths said she appreciated Bonfire Night is an “exciting time” but said: “We do need to think about particularly pets and animals”.

She added: “For those of us with dogs who just tremble the whole time, I really do think this is something where we need to make some progress.”