Chair of Kilkenny's Animal Welfare Committee slams use of illegal fireworks

Fireworks are continuing to cause havoc in Kilkenny City with gardaí appealing to the public for information on the sale and supply of the illegal goods.

"We are carrying out patrols but what we really need is information into who is selling the fireworks to young people. We are appealing to the public to assist us and to contact us in confidence with this information," said a garda spokesperson.

Complaints have been made to Kilkenny gardaí in relation to the ongoing use of illegal fireworks which are causing distress and terror both to animals and member of the local community.

Chair of the Animal Welfare Committee, Cllr Andrew McGuinness said that the ongoing issue of fireworks is 'a huge concern for animal owners and animal lovers.

"Fireworks can cause massive anxiety and fear in family pets. I want to ask people to be mindful if this and please don't cause any unnecessary stress for animals," he said.

 Cllr McGuinness commended gardaí for their 'hugely proactive approach in terms of regular patrols' and urged extra vigilance over the coming days.

"I think we do need to be extra vigilant in the coming days, particularly in areas of the city that seem to be an annual hotspot for fireworks.

"Those who purposely use fireworks to cause harm or nuisance spoil the festivities for everyone and create real dangers for animals and also for themselves."

Gardaí are warning people not to engage in this type of illegal activity and earlier this month seized a quantity of fireworks earlier this month.