BHS issues firework safety advice ahead of Bonfire night

By Katy Islip

General news

31 October 2011 15:12

As firework season gets into full swing, the British Horse Society has issued guidance to owners and the wider public to help keep horses safe.

The BHS advises owners to keep horses in a normal routine and familiar environment, whether stabled or kept out, and recommends checking stables and fields for anything which could injure their horse should it become distressed.

Owners are reminded to keep their own safety in mind, plan activities in advance, and to keep their vet’s details to hand.

Tips to keep horses calm include staying with them during planned displays, remaining calm yourself and playing a radio outside the stable to mask sudden noises.

The BHS also recommends finding out about any fireworks displays planned near your stables, and making sure the organisers know there are horses kept nearby.

Those organising displays are asked to warn local horse owners about their event, and are asked not to let off fireworks anywhere near horses, stables, fields or farms.

Householders planning to let off fireworks at home are also asked to think carefully about how it will affect neighbouring pets and animals first.

Advice on firework safety is available at www.horseaccidents.org.uk where a downloadable poster is also available.

The BHS also supports the fireworks and animals guidance issued by animal charity the Blue Cross, which can be found at www.bluecross.org.uk