With Bonfire Night approaching on 5 November, renewed attention is being drawn to the impact fireworks can have on horses and other animals, as the Government considers responses to its recent consultation on fireworks regulation.
The Government’s 12-week public consultation, which closed on 7 October, sought views on fireworks. A Government spokesperson told Horse & Hound that responses and the evidence gathered are now being analysed, with the findings helping to inform decisions on potential future changes.
Government launches ‘Know Your Impact’ campaign
This month, the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) launched its Know Your Impact initiative, encouraging people to consider how their use of fireworks can affect others, including animals.
A Government spokesperson said: “We know loud fireworks can have a real impact on people and their pets, including horses. That’s why we’ve launched a new campaign encouraging people to consider the impact fireworks can have on animals.”
The spokesperson also confirmed that the Government is looking at limiting the sale of the loudest fireworks to consumers and banning additional high-risk products from public sale, with the aim of protecting pets and wildlife.
Redwings calls for greater use of low-noise fireworks
Redwings Horse Sanctuary has campaigned for fireworks reform through its Keep Horses in Mind campaign and, this year, launched its Go Low initiative to encourage the use of low-noise fireworks.
The charity welcomed the OPSS campaign’s recognition of the impact on animals but said it was disappointed that the initiative had not taken the opportunity to promote low-noise fireworks or organised displays as alternatives.
Redwings campaign manager Helen Whitelegg also raised concerns about suggestions that notifying neighbours of planned fireworks transfers responsibility from the organiser to those who may be affected.
The charity has contacted the Department for Business, Innovation and Science to highlight these concerns.
Survey highlights risks for horses
Redwings’ survey of more than 5,000 owners found that 68% had experience of a horse in their care being affected by fireworks. Of those, only a quarter had received advance warning.
The charity also reported that incidents involving horses escaping, becoming injured or losing their lives still occurred even when owners had prior knowledge of planned fireworks.
The findings underline the difficulties horse owners can face when trying to prepare for fireworks, particularly when displays are unexpected or take place close to horses and their fields.
A call to consider the impact before 5 November
Ms Whitelegg said Redwings was pleased to see low-noise displays being advertised ahead of Bonfire Night, but added that there was still a long way to go and that the coming weeks remained an anxious time for many owners.
As the sector awaits the findings of the Government’s consultation, Redwings hopes that future regulatory changes will help reduce the worry and uncertainty experienced by horse owners each year.
For equestrian facilities, horse owners and anyone planning a fireworks display, the message is to consider the potential impact on horses and other animals, and to explore lower-noise alternatives wherever possible.