Kudos for rural supermarket refusing to sell fireworks in an effort to spare scaring animals

Saturday, 3 November 2018

A supermarket north of Auckland is earning kudos from its community for refusing to sell fireworks.

Parakai Four Square owner Daniel Dale said because of their semi-rural location they decided it was unnecessary for them to sell fireworks and it was something they could do to reduce stress on animals.

Fireworks are not man's best friends' best friend.

He said customers have been great about the store's position.

'I'm lucky to live in a beautiful town with a great community who has been very supportive in his decision not to sell fireworks this year.'

Parakai Four Square has opted not to sell fireworks to spare scaring animals in the semi-rural environment.

* 'A diabolical night': animal groups call for fireworks ban ahead of Guy Fawkes

* Horse owners fearful of Guy Fawkes fireworks

* Fires around South Island caused by fireworks**

'People using fireworks please be considerate of the animals in our community.'

The stance was universally supported by commenters on the store's Facebook page.

Lars Bojsen-Møller applauded the store's decision.

'It's about time public sales are stopped and professional displays are promoted.'

Horse lover Jody Paddy was right behind move.

'Nice work - thank you for looking after the animals in your community.'

Animal welfare organisation SPCA has made repeated calls for public fireworks sales to be banned.

Though Guy Fawkes is the traditional climax of fireworks celebrations, the sale and use of the products has become more restricted in recent years.

Now it is only possible to buy certain types of fireworks in the three days leading up to November 5, which falls on Monday this year.

Many local councils have laws that stop people from lighting fireworks in public places such as parks or beaches, though many cities now organise public fireworks displays over the weekend leading up to Guy Fawkes.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand issued warnings every year to try and prevent fireworks related incidents damaging property and injuring people.

Investigators believe a massive forest fire near Lake Hawea near Wanaka on Friday that came within metres of people's homes was caused by fireworks.

Homes were evacuated and personnel from four brigades remained on site on Saturday morning to contain spot fires.

Fire and Emergency NZ spokesman Daryl Ball said fireworks had been determined as the cause of the blaze, and the investigation handed over to police.

On Saturday night, firefighters battled two other fires caused by fireworks across the South Island, one in Christchurch and the other in Timaru.