Fireworks Deemed “Catastrophic” for Horses and Zoo Animals

While the spectacular displays of Bonfire Night can be thrilling for attendees, their consequences for horses, zoo animals, and livestock are described as “catastrophic.” According to the British Horse Society, an average of over 100 horses in the UK were either killed or injured annually between November 2010 and March 2024 due to incidents involving fireworks. Dr. Sarah Richdon of the Bristol Zoological Society stated, “There’s no such thing as a wildlife-friendly firework.” The RSPCA has advocated for the establishment of firework restriction zones in England and Wales, while a veterinarian has urged individuals to inform nearby stables of any planned displays. Dr. Millie Tingey from Cheltenham Equine Vets has witnessed “catastrophic injuries” in horses when their owners were not forewarned about displays. She recounted, “We’ve seen horses going through fences, we’ve had a horse break its leg and unfortunately have to be put to sleep.” Dr. Tingey noted that, regardless of physical injury, many horses are “really sensitive” to loud noises, not exclusively fireworks. She encouraged owners to maintain their horses’ normal routine “as much as they can” and mentioned that veterinarians can prescribe sedation. “Coming from a veterinary and a horse owner point of view, what we’d push for is letting your neighbours or any local yards know if you’re having a private or less-advertised display,” Dr. Tingey said. She added, “Even within a couple of miles, a lot of the time they are still loud enough to spook the horses.” She emphasized that if horse owners have the opportunity to take the necessary precautions beforehand, it can significantly reduce injury and stress for the animals. Dr. Richdon, who is the programme lead for animal behaviour and welfare at Bristol Zoological Society, reported “a lot less disruption” for animals at the Bristol Zoo Project in South Gloucestershire, compared to their former location in Clifton. CCTV footage from the previous site showed animals being awakened throughout the night, and lions were observed unable to get up the following day due to tiredness. “We had our red vented cockatoos plucking feathers overnight because they were stressed from noise,” Dr. Richdon said. She further noted, “We would find debris from fireworks in animal enclosures, and our keepers have to be really diligent on removing every scrap because of the toxic chemicals.” Dr. Richdon pointed out that even when animals are not physically injured, it is challenging to mitigate the “mental distress” caused to exotic animals by fireworks. She explained, “We try to make the indoor spaces as inviting as possible, we put in deep bedding, we keep them warm.” In Dr. Richdon’s opinion, given that fireworks “are a big part of British culture,” a balance “needs to be struck.” She proposed a limit on the decibel levels of fireworks sold in the UK. Dr. Mark Kennedy, an equine expert from the RSPCA, stated that caring for horses on 5 November can be more difficult than protecting other pets, as horses risk injury if they panic in their stables. The RSPCA is advocating for several measures, including quiet fireworks, light displays, and a review of fireworks legislation, specifically proposing restrictions on their use to certain dates. Dr. Kennedy stated, “Scotland has brought in firework control zones, which councils can put in place to prevent fireworks to be let off in places where horses are kept, sensitive wildlife zones, and around care homes.” He urged, “We would really urge the English and Welsh governments to think about following Scotland’s lead.” He concluded, “We really need a complete review of fireworks regulations and to protect animals and people from the stress of fireworks.”