The Plenary of the Cabildo of Lanzarote has approved this Friday a motion to address the regulation and limitation of the use of pyrotechnics with high sound effects on the island, with the objective of reducing their negative impact on people's health, animal welfare, citizen coexistence, and the environment
The initiative, presented by the councilor of the Mixed Group Armando Santana, had the support of all political formations that make up the plenary, with the exception of Vox, which voted against it. During his speech, Santana defended the need for public institutions to “adapt to scientific and social evidence” and to act to avoid the harmful effects of impulsive noise associated with fireworks, firecrackers, rockets, and other pyrotechnic devices. “It is not about going against parties or traditions, but about evolving towards more inclusive, safe, and respectful celebrations for people and animals,” he stressed.
“Noisy pyrotechnics have demonstrated effects on the health of vulnerable people and cause suffering, panic, and even death in domestic animals and wildlife. Administrations cannot look the other way when there are alternatives that allow for celebration without causing harm,” stated counselor Armando Santana.
The motion approved by the Plenary, within the Institution presided over by Oswaldo Betancort, stems from a broad state and regional regulatory framework - including the Noise Law, animal welfare legislation, and Law 7/2011, on classified activities and public shows of the Canary Islands - which empowers administrations to limit activities generating noise pollution for reasons of public health, environmental protection, and citizen coexistence.
Limitations to protect against negative impacts
In its resolving part, the plenary agreement establishes, among other measures, the promotion of an insular regulation, in coordination with the town councils, that limits or prohibits the use of sound pyrotechnics in public spaces, except for expressly authorized shows. Likewise, the adaptation of municipal ordinances, the promotion of silent fireworks and visual alternatives such as light shows, drones or lasers, and the application of the principle of institutional exemplary conduct will be promoted, guaranteeing that events organized or financed by the Cabildo will generally take place without noisy fireworks.The initiative also includes the development of citizen awareness campaigns on the perverse effects of noise on people with autism spectrum disorders, sensory hypersensitivity, minors, the elderly, or people with mental health problems, as well as on domestic animals and wildlife, who suffer episodes of stress, disorientation, escapes, and accidents as a consequence of the detonationsFurthermore, the Plenary Session agreed to urge the Government of the Canary Islands to study regulatory measures that reinforce protection against noise pollution derived from pyrotechnics, especially in island territories and protected areas