The public are being urged to show consideration to livestock and other animals ahead of Bonfire Night as rural communities turn on ‘haphazard’ displays.
With Bonfire Night approaching, rural campaigners are warning of the harm fireworks pose to pets, livestock, wildlife, and the wider environment.
They are urging the public to show consideration to animals and to use common sense when planning to set off fireworks.
Studies have found that 80 percent of horses become anxious or very anxious during firework displays, which commonly leads to running.
Petrified horses do not only pose a risk to themselves – they may accidentally hurt their handlers and bystanders when bolting.
And fireworks often cause chickens to huddle together in their panic, which may cause them to smother one another to death.
Because of the dangers, some rural communities are fighting back against irresponsible fireworks displays.
In East Leake, Leicestershire, Nicola Housley successfully led the charge against fireworks which were to be held on bonfire night.
A local football club was selling tickets to an unprecedented fireworks night at a sports ground, despite the venue being surrounded by fields with over 40 horses, and near to fields with over 400 horses.
The neighbouring land includes a riding school for children with special needs, an animal sanctuary, a livery yard, a stud farm, and numerous private premises with horses.
Through Nicola, these groups expressed concern over their animals’ well-being and their inability to make alternative arrangements with such limited time before the event.
They cautioned of the possible harm posed to pedestrians and other members of the community if, for example, a distressed horse runs through a fence and into a road during the fireworks display.
After weeks of contention, an online petition and protest from the community, the organisers decided to cancel the fireworks display.
Sabina Roberts, a spokeswoman for the Countryside Alliance, which is urging the public to show consideration this Bonfire Night, warned against 'haphazard' firework displays in rural areas.
She warned that they 'recurringly disregard the welfare of animals and cause misery', adding that 'ultimately, this is about using common sense'.
"Sensible and simple measures, such as consulting local communities well in advance of proposed displays and using low-noise fireworks, would make a tangible difference for animals."
