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.

Keep Horses In Mind

Having worked to raise awareness on this issue for more than 10 years, ahead of this year's Bonfire Night season, Redwings is sending a stronger and clearer message than ever with our new campaign: Keep Horses In Mind.

One of our first campaign actions will be to be part of a drop-in event for MPs in Westminster to raise awareness amongst those who have the power to bring about a much-needed improvement to regulations. As part of the Fireworks Working Group, the event will highlight the adverse impact of fireworks not only on horses, but also on other animals, people, wildlife and the environment.

The MPs' drop-in event will take place in
Room S, Portcullis House
Weds 30th October 2024
2pm - 3.30pm

Please contact your MP using the button below to encourage them to attend!

The real impact of fireworks

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.

“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

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.

Redwings Horse Sanctuary hosted a roundtable discussion on Wednesday 27 March 2024 to explore the viability of using the Animal Welfare Act as a means of holding individuals to account in cases where fireworks are believed to have inadvertently led to the injury or death of an animal.

You can read our ground-breaking report on the Animal Welfare Act and fireworks here (PDF 652 KB).

Take action

Write to your MP

Download the BHS Horse i app

Report an incident to the RSPCA

Sign Julie Doorne’s petition

Your experiences and the latest on fireworks

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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 frightening for many horses. Use our checklist to help keep your horse safe and relaxed during fireworks season.

•    Try and find out when and where local displays will be held to help you plan. We've provided a template letter (DOCX 97 KB) you can send to your neighbours to discover who may be letting off fireworks in your local area and when .
•    Horses find change stressful so stick to their usual routine as far as possible.
•    Keep friends together. Horses cope better with their pals around.
•    Keep a close eye on horses who are in a new environment and/or a new routine.
•    Give horses a distraction such as extra hay or a treat ball. Stable mirrors can be helpful for stabled horses but introduce them at least a few days before a fireworks display to check a horse is happy with one.
•    Music or a podcast may help mask the noise of fireworks for stabled horses.
•    Double-check paddocks in use for hazards such as holes, broken fence rails or loose gate catches to minimise risks for spooked horses.
•    Have a fire extinguisher available in case of stray fireworks.
•    Check for spent firework casings in the morning.

There aren’t always easy answers to help horses cope with fireworks. If you’re really worried, try having a friendly chat with display organisers or speak to your vet for advice.

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.

Fireworks and horses

Keep Horses In Mind