As everyone gears up to ring in the new year, rural insurance company, NFU Mutual is calling on people to be mindful of the distress and potential danger caused to animals by firework displays.
In a survey of 250 horse owners and riders carried out for NFU Mutual earlier this year, more than one in three people (34%) said their horses had been injured or killed after being spooked by fireworks.
Almost nine in 10 survey respondents (88%) said their horse was nervous during firework displays and more than nine in 10 (92%) admitted to being worried about their horse’s welfare during fireworks.
The unexpected noise and light during fireworks can also cause distress to cows, sheep and poultry, activating a ‘flight’ response which can often lead to injury or even death.
Rural affairs specialist at NFU Mutual, Hannah Binns said: “Our recent survey shows just how terrifying and dangerous fireworks can be to horses, and sadly this is also the case with livestock.
“That’s why we’re calling on everyone to consider the impact of their celebrations before they hold firework displays in the countryside this New Year’s Eve.
“Talk to your neighbours and nearby farmers and work out a way to celebrate which will not cause unnecessary harm and distress to animals, whether that’s helping put in place measures to soothe animals or moving firework displays altogether.
“Riders and owners have a deep connection with their horses, and farmers care deeply about the welfare of animals they spend their lives caring for, so be mindful of the impact firework displays can have on animals and their owners,” she added.
Firework displays
When asked how they protect and soothe their horses during firework displays, 60% said they keep horses in stables, while 30% keep horses in the field, highlighting the difficulty in knowing where and how to keep a horse safe.
Just under half (49%) of respondents make sure someone stays with their horse during firework displays, 47% ask neighbours to warn them of displays and 46% monitor and check for displays themselves.
The table below shows the response to the following survey question: What measures do you, your livery yard or stable take to protect your horse from fireworks?
Keep horse in stable during fireworks 60% Have someone stay with the horse during fireworks 49% Ask neighbours to warn of displays 47% Monitor and check firework displays 46% Move horse for the night 30% Keep horse in field during displays 30% Play music or noise during displays 29% Desensitise using lights 18% Desensitise using music 18% Sedation 16% Desensitise using firework noises 15% None 1%
According to The British Horse Society’s data, between November 2010 and the end of February 2024, 49 horses have been killed in firework-related incidents, with 317 injured and 84 people injured.
Horses are just one of a number of animals which can be profoundly impacted by fireworks and the lack of regulation around the sale of fireworks and displays.
The British Horse Society said it is working with several other animal charities to call on the government to conduct a review into existing legislation.
