NEWS: Animal Centre calls for ban on public firework sales after reptile dies and owl injured

A Cumbrian animal attraction has renewed calls for a ban on public firework sales after a reptile died and an owl was injured during Bonfire Night celebrations.

Pet Encounter Cumbria, based in Workington, said an eight-month-old crocodile skink named Toothless died from stress caused by intense vibrations from nearby fireworks. Their snowy owl Athena also injured her wing after being startled in her enclosure.

Co-owner and animal handler Ben Nicholson said staff were “angry and upset”, adding that the attraction has lost at least one animal every year for the past five years during fireworks season. “It just seems to be getting worse and worse,” Mr Nicholson said.“The sheer number and noise of the fireworks is unbelievable. It was literally right over our heads.

”Staff had tried to protect animals by moving outdoor species indoors, installing a rubber roof to muffle sound, and playing soothing music — but the measures weren’t enough.Mr Nicholson said some animals are still unwell days later: “Some of them are still off their food.”

He urged the government to act: “It’s time the UK bans the sale of fireworks to the public and only allows controlled, professional displays.”Animal welfare charities, including the RSPCA, have long warned that fireworks can cause distress, injury, and even death to pets and wildlife.