A pub is to switch to silent fireworks for its next display at the end of the year because of concerns over animal welfare.
Harry Counsel, owner of the Clothier Arms pub in Stroud, has announced the display of silent fireworks instead of regular ones for New Year’s Eve 2019.
This initiative comes at the request of a customer who asked him to do something about pet and wildlife welfare.
A number of incidents were reported this firework season - including the death of eight-week-old puppy Molly due to the fright of fireworks.
The RSPCA also launched a campaign aiming to reduce firework usage to protect animal health and safety.
Mr Counsell told Gloucestershire Live : "People nowadays are more socially aware about the dangers of fireworks and how they affect pets.
"I was contacted by a customer who asked if we might consider holding a silent firework display on New Year's Eve.
"I found a local company who were able to help.
"We have a dog friendly pub so it seemed appropriate to do this."
The pub owner shared his decision on a Facebook post which reads: “After reading all the posts and news items about the distress that is caused by fireworks to animals and some people, we have decided to have a reduced noise and silent firework display for our New Years Eve party this year.
"Having spoken to the lovely guys at Chase Lane fireworks, who have informed me that there is a large range of silent and reduced noise fireworks available. We are going to give them a go.
"So residents and animals of Rodborough, your normal midnight alarm call on NYE has been cancelled this year but hopefully you will still be able to see them."
The post received more than 2000 reactions and was shared 213 times.
The 452 commenters praised the pub initiative to choose a pet-friendly type of fireworks.
One said: "Thank you so very much, this will help a lot of stressed owners and pets in your area. Let's hope others follow your act of kindness xx"
Another one added: "That means so much I have no objection to fireworks as such it’s just the noise mainly that is distressing so this is a big step forward and again thankyou xxx"
