Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows MLA has called for comprehensive reform of Northern Ireland's fireworks laws, including a ban on sales to private individuals except in exceptional cases, limiting fireworks to organised public displays, moving towards low-noise shows, and tougher penalties for illegal supply, possession and use.

Jon Burrows said: "The impact on pets is profound. In recent years, we have heard countless accounts of severe anxiety and trauma, dogs bolting in terror and going missing, and animals killed on our roads after fleeing fireworks. "Owners can prepare for an advertised display at a fixed time. They cannot reasonably manage random explosions over days and nights, never knowing when the next bang will come. That is why I want to see a ban on the sale of fireworks to private individuals, with fireworks limited to organised public displays. Sales should only be allowed in exceptional circumstances, and even then they should be restricted to low-noise fireworks.

"The Ulster Unionist Party brought an Assembly motion calling for a comprehensive review of fireworks laws. It is regrettable that Sinn Féin, Alliance and the DUP failed to support our motion as tabled.

"We need real reform. This distress should not be dismissed as just part of Halloween. People can still celebrate while we do more to protect animals and our communities. It is time for the law to change, and I will keep pushing for that."