Redwings Horse Sanctuary is asking the Government to reduce the maximum permitted noise level of fireworks from 120 to 90 decibels. The charity is urging anyone who would like to see improved regulation of fireworks to sign its new petition.
Redwings has lost three of its own rescued equine residents in the past as a result of fireworks displays. Despite efforts to keep them safe, Redwings’ Cinders, Sprite and Percy died in incidents relating to fireworks being let off near the sanctuary.
“We know there is widespread support for calls to tighten fireworks regulations and we hope this is a positive way for people to make their voice heard and appeal to policymakers,” said Helen Whitelegg, Redwings’ Campaigns and Policy Manager.
“Redwings is not alone in having lost much-loved horses to fireworks and the current lack of regulation also has far wider impacts, from pets, livestock and wildlife to people living with PTSD or sensory issues like autism.
“We fully appreciate that many people enjoy fireworks, but more balanced regulation is desperately needed.
“Research, including our own survey of over 5,000 UK horse owners, supports our belief that reducing the permitted noise levels for fireworks could help to achieve that balance.”
Ongoing research
The charity published a report into the findings of its Fireworks and Horses online survey earlier this month, which attracted 5,128 responses from people across the UK during five weeks in December 2024 and January 2025.
The survey was conducted as part of their Keep Horses in Mind campaign which aims to raise awareness of the danger posed to horses and other equines by fireworks and gather information to try to limit it.
In March last year, Redwings hosted a roundtable discussion to explore the viability of 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 and produced a report into its findings.
They also co-hosted a drop in event for MPs alongside other members of the Firework Working Group and supported the delivery of a one-million-signature strong Change.org petition organised by fireworks campaigner Julie Doone.
“The sound of fireworks, more than the light, is believed to be the main issue for horses, which is perhaps no surprise as animals have more sensitive hearing than people and research suggests that horses’ ears amplify sounds by around 10-20 decibels,” continued Helen.
“We believe this reduction is a practical solution at a time when we know there are so many demands on government and local authority resources.
“We don’t want to spoil people’s traditional celebrations, but we do want far fewer animals and people to be at risk of distress, injury and even death when fireworks are let off.”
The petition
At 10,000 signatures the Government is obliged to respond to a UK Government and Parliament petition, and at 100,000 to consider it for debate.
To sign and share the petition visit Reduce the maximum noise level for consumer fireworks from 120 to 90 decibels – Petitions.
Lead image of used fireworks on Welsh common. Credit: Redwings Horse Sanctuary
