26 November 2025

We release new film showing effects of fireworks voiced by actor-conservationist Dan Richardson

Lucy the horse stood wearing a rug beside her owner.

As New Year approaches, Redwings is releasing a new film featuring five stories of horses and their owners who’ve suffered because of fireworks.

British actor, filmmaker, animal welfare and conservationist Dan Richardson has donated his voice to the film, as part of his support for our Keep Horses in Mind campaign.

Redwings’ petition to reduce the maximum noise level of consumer fireworks from 120 decibels to 90 decibels has crossed the threshold to be considered for a Parliamentary debate, but we're asking anyone who hasn't done so yet to sign - and if you have, to keep sharing! - until the Government makes any announcement, to emphasise the strength of feeling on the issue.

Sign the petition here.

The film highlights the wide variety of negative outcomes caused to horses and their owners by loud fireworks.

Photo of Tango the pony stood in a field.
Watch the film here.

*January 2024* Horse Vello jumped a gate and escaped his yard after an unexpected 15-minute private firework display nearby. He was found three kilometres away with injuries caused by running through fencing. CCTV footage shows the sparks from his shoes hitting the tarmac. His owner still can’t watch because the experience was so traumatic. Vello’s companion also jumped the gate and was found nearby.

*November 2025* Horse Zuri became ill with colic because of fireworks being set off just metres away by a neighbour. She needed urgent out-of-hours veterinary treatment. Read Zuri and owner Amy’s story here.
*November 2020* Owner Clair was leading horse Cailin out of her stable when a firework went off. Cailin panicked, standing on Clair’s leg and knocking her over in the process. Clair hit her head and shoulder when she fell, which was captured on CCTV. Clair was not warned about the display and sustained long-term injuries to her shoulder.

*November 2025* Horse Lucy’s jaw was broken after galloping into a metal gate in panic when a firework was set off. Lucy's owner is currently providing her horse with soaked feeds and wound treatment every few hours throughout the day while vets monitor how the fracture starts to heal. If healing doesn't progress as hoped, Lucy may sadly need to be put to sleep.

*January 2022* Horse Tango died in fear and severe pain due to fireworks set off on New Year’s Eve without warning. His vet diagnosed stress induced colic. Read Tango and owner Claire’s story here.

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“No matter what owners do, when loud fireworks are set off close to horses they are at risk, and just because they’ve been fine in the past doesn’t mean they’ll be fine in the future."

Helen Whitelegg

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Helen Whitelegg, Redwings' Campaigns and Policy Manager, said: “Our new film includes horses who were stabled and horses who were out in their field.

“In most of these cases their owners did not know that fireworks were going to be let off nearby, but even if they had been, the firework displays were so close by that advance knowledge probably wouldn’t have been enough to keep their horses safe.

“No matter what owners do, when loud fireworks are set off close to horses they are at risk, and just because they’ve been fine in the past doesn’t mean they’ll be fine in the future.

“Of course, horses are only one species negatively affected by loud fireworks, the repercussions of one person’s fun can have a huge impact on companion, working, farm and wild animals, as well as other people and the environment.

“With New Year just around the corner we’re asking people choosing to use fireworks to keep horses, and others, in mind and use low noise fireworks if at all.”

Dan Richardson, who starred in Disney series The Lodge and British films Retribution, Kill Kane and The Harsh Night of Day, is also known for his animal welfare and conservation advocacy work. Dan said: “I fully support Redwings’ campaign to seek changes in legislation to help animals, and people, who suffer as a result of fireworks. As an animal lover, I’m absolutely done with the lack of action on this issue, and I know thousands of others are sick and tired of it too. The time for change is now, and we all need to take action. If you haven’t already done so, please sign Redwings’ petition, and share it with your friends. And if you must use fireworks this New Year, please think of the five horses in this film, and make them low noise.”

For more information about Redwings work on fireworks, go to our special fireworks page here.

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Redwings Press Office

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