Blow Up Michigan Fireworks Law, Royal Oak Residents Say

ROYAL OAK, MI — Jane A. Craig, of Royal Oak, saw clear evidence to support her argument to repeal the five-year-old law allowing consumer fireworks in Michigan: siding on a neighbor’s house that was scorched by fireworks. “Hope they will be banned,” Craig wrote on a MoveOn.org petition site.

Petitioners cited various problems with the fireworks law, including that it allows an almost nonstop, three-day siege on neighborhood that leaves veterans with post traumatic stress disorder psychologically reeling and pets frightened and quaking in the corner.

The fireworks tax brought in about $1.6 million in revenue last year, and the state isn’t likely to walk away from it without a battle — one the 35,000 people who have signed a petition to repeal Michigan’s fireworks law appear prepared to wage.

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Here’s what some other Royal Oak residents had to say on the MoveOn.org petition site:

Toni Gale: “No amateur should have access to fireworks. Pets in particular suffer on the Fourth of July holiday season--hiding, shaking, hyperventilating, crying--many of which must be SEDATED to get through the fireworks displays every night for weeks on end. Also veterans are becoming more vocal about their PTSD being triggered by the fireworks, which sound like being in a war zone. Don't they deserve better??? Also, personal safety is often ignored (or unknown) by those using fireworks. There are also more property damage claims and fires caused by fireworks. No one NEEDS to set off their own personal fireworks display. Stick to the city displays... most cities have them on different day around the holiday.”

See Also

• Fireworks Weary Michiganders Blast State Law: More Comments
• Man Uses Fireworks To Get Rid Of Bees, Burns Garage

Tell Us

• Should Michigan’s consumer fireworks law be repealed or amended? Please tell us what you think in the comments, and share your experiences with legal fireworks in Michigan.

Karen Turner: “BIG LOUD FIREWORKS WERE LET OFF IN OUR PARK AT 2:30 A.M JULY 5. ITS NOT FAIR TO ANIMALS OR HUMANS...MANY VETERANS WITH PTSD ARE EXTREEMLY BOTHERED BY THIS "SERVES NO PURPOSE " NOISE ! BUT GOV ONLY THINKS OF THE MONEY ENED OF FIREWORKS . ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!”

Zoe McGrath: “It's been going on for days. It's extremely loud and goes very late 1130 to midnight. My cat is scared to death. Those big ones need to be outlawed.”

Carol Folk: “At least a dozen people used them where I stayed for the holiday 2- 3 hours for five days. Was very stressful. Some people get up at 5 in the morning to work during this time. It is not funny having to deal with young children and animals who are terrified from the sound.”

Comments from this website:https://petitions.moveon.org/s...

Photo by Des via Flickr Commons