A survey of horse owners at Your Horse Live found 97% of those questioned want more regulations restricting the use of fireworks.
One hundred and seventy-nine people completed the online survey, conducted by Redwings, during the three-day event at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire earlier this month.
Visitors to the Redwings stand at Your Horse Live this month were invited to complete an online survey during the event. 56% reported that fireworks are frequently let off close to their horse/s and 92% said they thought low-noise fireworks and alternatives to them would benefit horse welfare.
Eighty-one percent said they are worried about the effects of fireworks on their horse, and owners whose horses had been affected by fireworks reported experiences such as their horse being nervous and agitated (65%); injury or illness (21%); escape (8%) and even death (4%).
Redwings launched their brand-new campaign in October, asking people to ‘Keep Horses In Mind’ when they’re deciding whether to use fireworks and choosing which type, as lower-noise options become more widely available. Three of our own horses have died in incidents related to fireworks in the past.
A parliamentary debate on restrictions on the sale of fireworks has been scheduled for Monday 9th December at 4.30pm and we are asking people who share our concerns to contact their MP and ask them to get involved.
Redwings Campaigns and Policy Manager Helen Whitelegg said:
“We are aware of so many awful and avoidable instances of horses being frightened, hurt, escaped and even killed as a result of the use of fireworks this autumn and change is long overdue.
“Horses die and are injured every year because of fireworks, and the people who love them can also be very distressed and even injured as a result.
“Redwings has put together a template letter to help people to contact their MP to ask them to get involved in the conversation around this important issue as more opportunities arise in the coming weeks.”
Download the letter and find your MP’s details here.