As residents prepare for Independence Day and other summer celebrations, Webster Parish and local officials are reminding the public about fireworks regulations, including a newly amended parish ordinance aimed at protecting livestock.
The Webster Parish Police Jury recently approved an amendment to Ordinance No. 976, making it illegal to discharge fireworks within 1,000 feet of livestock without the consent of the livestock owner.
According to the ordinance, parish officials found that fireworks discharged near livestock can cause animals to panic, become injured, escape enclosures, damage property, and create hazards for motorists and the public. The ordinance applies to livestock including horses, cattle, sheep, goats, mules, donkeys, llamas, alpacas, swine, and other farm animals.
Violations are classified as misdemeanors. Penalties can include fines of up to $250 for a first offense, up to $500 for a second offense within 24 months, and up to $500, up to 30 days in jail, or both, for a third or subsequent offense within 24 months. Each separate discharge event may be treated as a separate violation.
Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker said the ordinance was prompted by complaints from livestock owners over the past several years.
“We want everybody to have a good time, but just use some good judgement when you’re close to livestock and these farmers,” Parker said. “One bottle rocket could land on their haybarn, and it’s gone.”
Parker also noted that frightened livestock can create dangers beyond farm property.
“If these cows go through a fence and get out in the road because they’re scared and somebody hits them, who’s liable?” he said.
The sheriff said deputies will use discretion when enforcing the ordinance and that a verbal warning would most likely be issued for first offenses.
The new parish restriction applies primarily to consumer fireworks, which Louisiana law defines as small fireworks sold at retail to the general public during designated sales periods. Consumer fireworks include many common devices designed to produce audible or visual effects and are classified federally as 1.4G fireworks.
Large commercial fireworks displays are regulated separately under state law and must be conducted under the supervision of licensed pyrotechnic operators.
Within the City of Minden, local ordinances also regulate when fireworks may be discharged. Permissible fireworks may be used between June 12 and July 5 and between December 15 and January 1.
Minden’s ordinance further limits discharge hours to between 8 AM and 10 PM. The only exception is New Year’s Eve, when fireworks may be discharged until 1 AM on January 1.
City ordinances define fireworks broadly to include sparklers, squibs, rockets, firecrackers, Roman candles, signal lights, and other devices used to create visible or audible pyrotechnic displays.
Officials encourage residents planning to use fireworks this summer to be mindful of nearby homes, livestock, dry vegetation, and other potential hazards.
Parker said the goal of the ordinance is not to prevent residents from enjoying holiday celebrations, but to encourage safe and responsible use of fireworks around agricultural operations and rural properties.