Redwings Horse Sanctuary has urged the public to ‘Go Low’ and choose quieter fireworks as Bonfire Night (5 November) approaches.
The charity’s advice follows the closure of a government public consultation on the sale and use of fireworks earlier this month (7 October) and now that fireworks are on general sale to the public ahead of Guy Fawkes Night and Diwali.
Redwings’ message is backed by charity ambassador Olivia Bowen whose friend’s horse died after being scared by loud fireworks let off nearby. Redwings has also lost three rescued residents due to fireworks in the past.
Television personality and businesswoman Olivia used low-noise fireworks at her wedding to fellow Love Island star Alex.
“When planning the wedding it was either low fireworks or no fireworks,” she said.
“Having horses or being around them my whole life, and having dogs, cats, any animal really, I’ve always known that fireworks are absolute hell for them and no part of me wanted to get involved in that.
“It’s such an easy switch. You still get these beautiful lights, you still get the amazing celebration, but you’re also not harming animals and not scaring animals.
“Animals die from firework noise, and the fear and the anxiety. A friend’s horse had a heart attack and died in their field from being so scared and fearful of fireworks.
“People need to realise it’s not just animal charities making noise about this, it’s very real and very scary.
“I completely back Redwings on this and I feel like if everyone spreads the word then it’ll make a huge difference.”
How to enjoy fireworks responsibly
Redwings has launched a new online hub of resources to help people Go Low and reduce potential harm to animals if they want to enjoy fireworks this year.
“Loud fireworks cause distress to so many animals and vulnerable people every autumn and it’s a time of year that many horse owners dread,” said Helen Whitelegg, Campaigns and Policy Manager at the charity.
“In some tragic cases, as with Olivia’s friend’s horse and our own Cinders, Percy and Sprite, they can even be fatal. We know that at least 28 horses have lost their lives to fireworks since 2021.
“We don’t want to stop seasonal celebrations and know fireworks can be beautiful, but we just need to turn the volume down. Low-noise options have evolved so much in recent years and can create a really stunning spectacle to bring everyone together without causing so much misery and harm to others.”
The Redwings Go Low hub includes a practical guide to choosing low-noise fireworks, with low-noise party playlists, information from a professional pyrotechnician, downloadable posters, postcards and social media artwork to encourage your neighbours to Go Low.
Lead image by Shutterstock/Alexander Prokopenko
