Olympic riders and high-profile celebrities, including Sir Stephen Fry, are among the tens of thousands of people who have signed a petition urging the government to reduce the maximum permitted noise level of fireworks. Those involved in horse care will know too well how worrying this time of year can be, and Redwings Horse Sanctuary has launched the petition in a bid to prevent further equines from being injured or losing their lives after being frightened by fireworks.
So far, over 60,000 individuals have put their name to the petition, and at 100,000 signatures the government is obliged to consider it for debate.
At 10,000 they were obliged to respond and that statement is now available on the petition webpage.
Research, including a Redwings survey of over 5,000 UK horse owners, suggests that reducing the permitted noise levels for fireworks could reduce their negative impact.
Among those supporting the call for change is actor, broadcaster and writer Sir Stephen Fry; actor Amanda Abbington, actor Kate Ford; presenter Kate Lawler and TV personality and businesswoman Olivia Bowen.
“I’ve long admired the work of Redwings, and it’s become something of a tradition for me to support the work of this wonderful charity,” said Sir Stephen Fry. “I was delighted to offer my voice to their campaign asking for a reduction in the maximum volume of consumer fireworks by signing their petition and I would really encourage everyone to get behind this.”
From the equestrian world, Olympian Richard Davison and Team GB showjumper Joe Stockdale are supporting the petition.
“As someone who has been around horses my entire life I am aware of the negative effect fireworks can have on them, and the difficulties in protecting sensitive animals from very loud, unexpected noises,” Joe said. “I totally support Redwings efforts to raise awareness and seek change that could limit the danger posed by using loud fireworks. I have signed and shared this petition and am urging everyone to keep horses in mind.”
Saddle-fitter and businesswoman Poppy Webber, who recently became a Redwings Ambassador alongside Olivia Bowen and Joe Stockdale, is also supporting the campaign.
“As a horse owner and animal lover, I know how terrifying fireworks can be for our four-legged friends,” she said. “Now, I absolutely love a nice, planned firework display, but… what brings joy to us can mean panic, injury, and lasting trauma for our horses and pets.
“Lowering the maximum volume of fireworks to 90 decibels is a simple change that would still let people celebrate, but in a way that’s kinder and safer for animals, wildlife, and even vulnerable people in our communities. Please take a moment to sign the petition – together, we can ‘Keep Horses In Mind’ and make a real difference.”
Redwings has lost three of its own equine residents in incidents relating to fireworks being let off nearby.
They launched their Keep Horse in Mind campaign last year and are also working with other charities and individuals to raise awareness, gather information and seek changes to legislation.
An MP drop-in event is taking place in Westminster next month organised by the Fireworks Impact Coalition (formerly the Fireworks Working Group), of which Redwings is a part, with the aim of influencing those with the power to bring about change. The event will take place on Wednesday 12 November, between 1.30pm – 4.45pm, in Dining Room B, House of Commons.
A template letter, asking your MP to attend, is available here and you can find your MP’s contact details here.
Lead image of used fireworks on Welsh common. Credit: Redwings Horse Sanctuary
