I WOULD just like to say a small thank you (not) to all the people who have once again contributed to weeks of abject terror and outright misery of mine and many other animals with their fancy explosions masquerading as fireworks.

I include supermarkets, shops, garden centres event organisers, the public and spineless MP's who wouldn't know what effective legislation was if someone stuck it where the sun doesn't shine, lit the taper and stood back at a safe distance.

Just so people are aware of what their 'enjoyment' costs, I will briefly tell you of one centre that takes in rescue dogs. This year there has been (so far) two split noses, several cut paws and one terrified escapee. Last year one dog had to have two toes amputated after scrabbling insanely at his pen and another impaled a foot on some wire.

This is just a small example, not accounting for cats and horses and other animals - domesticated or wild - that have to suffer weeks and weeks of this 'recreational terrorism'.

Despite what many may think, I am not a killjoy, neither am I'm looking for a total ban, just some responsibility and accountability. They do not need to be so loud, powerful and repetitive, nor do they need to be so readily available.

Let's face it, when kids are blowing up telephone kiosks and cars, and when rockets can blow a child's hand off, isn't there something wrong? Or am I missing the point? Most of all, it's supposed to be Bonfire Night, not Bonfire Season.

There are sedatives available for pets which, if it were just one or two nights around November 5, could be used. But to sedate animals night after night from October through to January is simply not an option.

Ian Hughes, Morecambe.