Horse and fireworks

Fireworks and horses

As flight animals, horses can be particularly sensitive to the unpredictable loud noises and bright lights of fireworks displays. We’ve joined our voice to many other organisations campaigning on this issue.

Every year, horses die or are severely injured in fireworks-related incidents. Three of our Redwings ponies have lost their lives to illness or injury resulting from their attempts to get away from fireworks being let off nearby.

Frightened horses are a danger to themselves, their companions and people. Horses escaping onto roads also present a real threat to the safety of road users.

At Redwings, we believe a review of current legislation around fireworks is essential. It’s a vital first step towards better controlling who can use these hazardous explosive devices, and under what conditions. We would like what constitutes breaking the law to be clearly defined and enforced. 

Fireworks impact at Redwings 2023

Our Nights Team captured footage at our Norfolk farms showing the impact that nearby firework displays had on some of our rescued residents.

Fireworks video cover
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“Horses die or are injured in fireworks-related incidents every year and Redwings wholeheartedly welcomes the tighter regulations that Scotland has introduced and is calling on Westminster to follow their lead."

Helen Whitelegg

Research and Policy Officer

“The financial cost of the extra measures we take during the fireworks season is not insignificant to a charity like ours, but obviously our residents’ welfare is our top priority, and we do everything we can to keep them safe and happy.”

Lynn Cutress

Chief Executive

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Fireworks and the law

We would like MPs to support a review of regulations around the sale and use of fireworks. This should take into account the multiple adverse impacts of fireworks that take place every year. 

We welcome Scotland's introduction of new fireworks legislation in 2022. We support the increasing public calls for a similar approach to be taken in Westminster to update current regulations.

One reason we are committed to better regulation and enforcement of fireworks is that their adverse effects go far beyond horses. Dogs, cats, other pets, livestock and wildlife can all be impacted. Many humans find fireworks intolerable, including military veterans affected by PTSD and people with sensory conditions such as autism. Injuries and accidents increase the burden on our public services every year.

You can read more on our position via PolicyMogul.


 

Take action

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Write to your MP

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Download the BHS Horse i app

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Report an incident to the RSPCA

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Sign Julie Doorne’s petition

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Preparing for fireworks season

The use of fireworks is increasing according to staff at a number of different Redwings sites. Fireworks are now expected for at least the first two weeks of November, as well as on New Year’s Eve, and throughout the year for private celebrations. Fireworks can be distressing for equines, so we've created this checklist to help keep your horse safe.

1. Find out about potential firework displays in your local area.

2. Keep to your usual management routine unless there are benefits to changing it (such as moving your horse further away from known fireworks events).

3. Keep friends together. Your horse will cope better with his pals around.

4. If you have a new horse, or a horse in a new environment, watch them closely to get an idea of if and how they are affected.

5. If you’re unable to be with your horse to monitor his behaviour, make sure you have a trusted and knowledgeable friend who can help. You should be available at the end of the phone in the event of an emergency.

6. Give your equine something to distract them, such as a little extra hay or a treat ball. For stabled horses, you could try a mirror in the stable. Remember to trial this before fireworks season to make sure they are happy with it.

7. Try leaving a radio or relaxing music playing to mask the noise from fireworks and spectators.

8. Make sure there are no potential hazards around. Check fences, gates and any electric fencing to confirm that the risks to a spooked horse are minimised.

9. Don’t plan any rides, evening hacks or book the school. Keep yourself as safe as your horse!

10. Make sure you have a fire extinguisher close at hand, to deal with any stray fireworks.

11. Don't forget to check your paddock or yard for old fireworks after the event.

Download the checklist (PDF 2.7 MB) to keep a copy or print it out.

Fireworks and Redwings – podcast

Listen to our Field Notes podcast about fireworks. It’s a deep dive into what we do to prepare for Bonfire Night, why we feel so strongly about fireworks, and how you can help.

Useful links 

Redwings has repeatedly seen first-hand the risks that fireworks routinely present to horses, and the financial and emotional cost on people who care for them. Horses are just one species of the many animals who are negatively affected by fireworks, not to mention many humans who experience distress and even physical injury as a result of firework use.

Equines 
Other animals
Humans

 

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