Calls have been made by residents in Abergynolwyn for a change in the law surrounding when fireworks can be set off.

It comes after fireworks went off with no warning on the night of Sunday, 20 June, led to pets becoming stressed, with some even escaping from their homes.

Emma Catchpole told the Cambrian News her dogs became agitated by the fireworks and one was left shaking. Emma, who believes fireworks should be banned from sale until around Bonfire night said: “It is inconsiderate and downright cruel to be letting fireworks off in a small village surrounded by livestock. They started at about 10.20pm and only lasted 10 minutes, but it sounded like a machine gun at first.

“I have a border collie who hates them and was very distressed running around like mad, barking. Then when they stopped he was shaking. Our cockapoo was barking. He was not as bad but was obviously distressed.

“One reason we moved here strangely enough was to get away from fireworks. Where we used to live they went off from October until January. Here it’s usually just one night a year which we can all prepare for. If they could see how distressed my dogs were I would hope that they would not let off fireworks.”

Dilys Williams who also lives in the village said: “My little terrier was petrified and I couldn’t calm her down. The local farmer was worried about his cows who are about to calve and raced on his quad to see to them, and a dog escaped from its owner. It was so shocked it was running wildly around the village with villagers looking for it.

“There was no warning given so dog and cat owners could prepare their animals. I would have driven my dog out of the village if I’d known as I do when the village has it’s annual bonfire night.

“The law does allow for fireworks to be let off as long as it’s not between 11pm and 7am so I feel strongly this should change and people should have to apply to let them off where there are other properties nearby. Or that fireworks can only be let off in a period near to firework night and for religious celebrations only.”

Last December Gwynedd councillors backed a motion calling for legislation to introduce a lower maximum noise level for fireworks sold to the public and for stricter regulations on when they can be let off, but a meeting in April heard council officers could only recommend best practice when it comes to holding public displays, with the likelihood that UK Government would have to change the law before councillors could implement measures they want.

Commenting on this incident Gwynedd Council said: “The sale of fireworks are restricted to certain times of the year - 15 October to 10 November, 26 December to 31 December, the first day of the Chinese new year and first day of Diwali (and three days immediately preceding both these dates), and a licence must be issued to the retailer by Gwynedd Council.

“It is possible for the authority to grant a licence to sell fireworks all year round, but Gwynedd Trading Standards have not issued a licence to anyone to store fireworks all year round in the Abergynolwyn area.”