16 July 2026

Redwings welcomes fireworks consultation announcement

Redwings is delighted that the UK government has today launched a 12-week public consultation on proposals to strengthen fireworks regulations. We are urging as many people as possible to use the opportunity to make their voice heard before 7th October.

The proposals include reducing the maximum noise level of consumer fireworks to reduce the potentially devastating effect very loud fireworks can have on both animals on people, a practical step which has been at the heart of Redwings’ Keep Horses In Mind campaign.

Kate Dearden, Minister for Consumer Protection, announcing the consultation, said: “Extremely loud fireworks used by individuals at all hours of the day and night has become a nightmare for many communities in recent years. The sound of large explosions on residential streets is a cause of fear, disrupted sleep, and does huge harm to our beloved pets. It is a practice that also often goes alongside wider forms of anti-social behaviour.

“Fireworks used properly are great fun, and we want the professional displays which bring communities together to continue. That’s why we’re looking to limit the sale of loud fireworks only to these displays, and take them out of the hands of those who use them irresponsibly. This will crack down on anti-social behaviour and protect Britain’s pets.”

The Redwings fireworks petition, which closed in March with over 184,000 signatures, asked for the noise limit of fireworks available to the public to be reduced from 120 decibels to 90 decibels. We believe that while this doesn’t eliminate risk to horses entirely, it would significantly reduce the number of equines who become very distressed, injured, ill or even lose their lives when fireworks are used nearby.

Having dealt with the loss of three much-loved rescued residents due to loud fireworks, Redwings knows we are far from alone in dealing with tragic outcomes when fireworks are used inappropriately and carrying uncertainty and anxiety with us every year, especially when traditional dates such as Bonfire Night and New Year’s Eve approach.

Cinders who was sadly put to sleep following local fireworks.

Cinders is one of three Redwings residents who have died as a result of fireworks displays

Data collected by the British Horse Society reveals that at least 28 horses have died in fireworks-related incidents in the last five years, with many more cases going unrecorded. In Redwings’ survey of over 5,000 UK horse owners, more than two-thirds had direct experience of a horse in their care being impacted by fireworks and in 10% of those cases a person had also been injured by a distressed horse. Over 95% of our survey respondents wanted to see tighter regulation of fireworks.

Helen Whitelegg, Redwings Campaigns Manager, said: "Having campaigned for improved fireworks regulations after tragically losing three of our own rescued horses due to loud fireworks, Redwings knows the scale of distress, suffering and risk to life that fireworks cause every year, not only to horses, but to the people around them. In our survey of more than 5,000 UK horse owners, over 95% told us they wanted to see tighter fireworks regulations, with loud bangs cited as the most significant risk factor."

"We therefore warmly welcome the news today that the Government will be consulting with the public on this issue and would encourage animal lovers everywhere to participate and have their say on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves."

Redwings stands alongside many organisations and individuals who have long campaigned for a better balance between traditional celebrations and protection of vulnerable humans and animals. We are a proud member of the Fireworks Impact Coalition which brings together 19 charities representing not just horses, dogs, cats, small pets, farm animals, zoo animals and wildlife, but also military veterans, people living with PTSD, burns survivors and those who rely on assistance dogs, indicating just how wide-ranging and profound the negative impact of fireworks can be and why better regulation is needed.

Public consultation is a key step on the road to regulatory change and consultations really can influence government policy, whether that involves supporting new regulations, or stopping unwelcome policies from being brought in. The online form allows respondents to indicate whether or not they approve of the proposals being put forward by government and, crucially, give their reasons.

Read more or respond to the consultation here. Find out more about the Redwings Keep Horses in Mind fireworks campaign here.