It’s hoped a survey about fireworks which was launched by Redwings last month will top 5,000 responses by its closing date on Sunday (19th January).
Over 4,300 people have already had their say on how fireworks impact them and their horses, and anyone who still wishes to do so is urged to share their views.
The horse welfare charity, which is one of the biggest in the UK, is asking people who are over 16, live in the UK and have at least one horse, pony, donkey or mule in their direct care, to take the approximately six-minute survey, which is anonymous. The link to the survey is here.
Earlier this year Redwings launched their ‘Keep Horses In Mind’ campaign to raise awareness of the impact fireworks can have on horses.
The second reading of Sarah Owen MP’s private members bill which seeks to update current fireworks legislation takes place on Friday (17th January), and a meeting of representatives from the Fireworks Working Group – a coalition of both people and animal welfare-focussed charities, including Redwings – is taking place with Minister Justin Madders, Parliamentary Under-secretary of State at the Department for Business and Trade next month.
Redwings’ Campaigns and Policy Manager Helen Whitelegg said: “We’ve been delighted by the response to the survey so far and it would be amazing if we could reach 5,000 responses over the next few days.
“We want to hear from people with as wide a variety of experience and opinions on fireworks as possible, so that robust and representative insights can be collected and shared with parliamentarians, policy makers and others. Even owners whose horses aren’t usually affected by fireworks are encouraged to complete the survey to help us reflect an accurate picture.
“If you are yet to fill the survey in, please do so by the Sunday deadline, so you can have your say.”
Horse owner and dog owner – please please ban fireworks in total – I dread it every year, new year etc
Every year I dread fireworks at night one I’ve got cats and dogs and they hate it. We have to put the radio out loud shut all the curtains and put the TV up high and the horses don’t like it at all who is back? They had them too close to the stables and it felt like World War II. I would really appreciate if they could make silent ones or ban it in all we don’t need the loud noise. All we need is to see the pretty fireworks without noise it’s already January and I’m already preparing for December how to make it easier for for my animals. I think it’s unfair to put people that love their animals through a few hours of hell.
Fireworks should only be sold if they are silent.
Absolutely, my horses are terrified ran though the electric fence one year , , luckily the village now we live has stopped it due to a ladies dog dying of the shock heart attack a few years ago .
Both my dogs are also terrified. Ban them definitely from the general public to buy
Please ban the sale and use of fireworks to members of the public and allow only well organised events that are run by professionals that are trained in using them, in safe locations on designated dates so local people/animal owners can prepare.
I dread firework ‘week’ as it starts at the beginning of November and goes on for a minimum of a week. My horses hate them and end up shaking profusely. I have to sedate all of them. My cats and dog tremble and my dog pees himself. Only organised events should be allowed and not open to the general public. Kids abuse them and use them to scare elderly and vulnerable people, using them as weapons.
Please stop the general public being able to buy fireworks and only well organised events can . All my animals are scared and if it just happened on one night I can then arrange things for them . Thankyou