(WWJ) – Fireworks and the Fourth of July go hand-in-hand. All across the country on Tuesday Americans celebrated Independence Day by attending fireworks displays or shooting them off themselves.
But in Michigan, it’s legal to shoot fireworks from June 29 until at least July 4 – or even the 5th if it falls on a Friday or Saturday. On a new Daily J podcast, WWJ’s Brian Fisher explores whether Metro Detroiters like the state’s current rules or if they want to see changes.
A new bill in the state legislature could shorten the window for legally shooting fireworks to only July 3-4, with the 5th as an option if it’s a weekend. Some think making that change could benefit several different parties.
Dr. Marie Hopfensperger, assistant professor at Michigan State College of Veterinary Medicine, says she stays extra busy around the holiday with her patients, so she would like to see that window shortened.
“What’s really hard, I think, are the pop-up fireworks, meaning people lighting them off at their discretion. The individuals who have dogs with firework anxiety can’t really plan for it,” Hopfensperger said. “So I think they’re a little harder for my patients because they come up very unexpectedly, whereas if we know the municipality has fireworks scheduled, my clients can give their medications to their pets to be as well prepared as possible.”
But, as Royal Oak City Manager Paul Brake points out, it’s not just pets that struggle with the loud noises of fireworks. He says these lengthy displays can be a painful reminder to our veterans.
“For some individuals with mental health issues that have suffered combat-related injuries or PTSD, I can only imagine that it would be horrifying and to have to experience that all over again,” he said.
Brake says he would be on board with making a change to Michigan’s fireworks law.
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