12 February 2025

Read the results of our Fireworks and Horses survey

Horses standing in front of old boxes of fireworks

More than 90% of those who took part in our Fireworks and Horses survey think that increased use of low-noise fireworks and fireworks alternatives would be of benefit to horses.

Over 5,000 (5,128) responses from across the UK have been recorded to our new survey, which was developed to gather evidence of firsthand experiences and owner attitudes to the impact of fireworks on the horses in their care*.

Download the full report here (PDF 780 KB)

Just over three-quarters (67.9%) of those taking part had firsthand experience of their horses being negatively affected. There was an almost equal split between horses who were stabled at the time and those who were turned out in a paddock or other open area.

Serious outcomes experienced included horses showing behavioural changes that persisted beyond the fireworks display itself, horses escaping from paddocks or stables, horses sustaining illness or injury, mares aborting foals or even individuals losing their lives.

Tragically, the survey revealed that more than 130 horses in the care of respondents had died due to fireworks, with some people sharing that they have lost more than one horse as a result.

Just over 87% (87.2%) of respondents worried about the impact of fireworks on their horses. Loud bangs and explosions were the biggest concern cited (94.5%) followed by crackles and whistles (84%).

Just under 95% (94.8%) agreed that fireworks should be more tightly regulated.

Our meeting with Minister Justin Madders

Parliamentary Meeting

The findings were presented to Minister Justin Madders, Parliamentary Under-secretary of State at the Department for Business and Trade, during a meeting with five members of the Fireworks Working Group – a coalition of both people and animal-welfare charities, including Redwings - last week (Tuesday 4th February).

The meeting came just a few weeks after the second reading of MP Sarah Owen’s ‘Fireworks Act 2025’ private members bill (17th January), which would see a reduction in the maximum noise levels of fireworks and sales of ‘high noise’ fireworks limited, as well as an independent review and report into online sales.

Redwings’ Campaigns and Policy Manager Helen Whitelegg said: “The response rate to our Fireworks and Horses survey was high, with more than 5,000 responses received in less than five weeks.

“While all self-selecting surveys can experience some respondent bias, it is nevertheless clear that there are very strong feelings on this issue amongst the horse-owning public. Over 15,000 comments were submitted as part of the survey, further analysis of which will be taking place and will be shared as it becomes available.

“Redwings is not anti-firework, and the majority of those who completed the survey do not want fireworks to be banned altogether (only 20.5% said they’d like all fireworks banned). We just want to find a better balance so that the enjoyment many people get from fireworks doesn't come at such a high price to others."

When asked how they would like fireworks to be regulated, more than 80% (80.5%) of those taking part said they would like their use to be restricted to organised, professional displays only. Almost three-quarters (72.8%) would like the noise level of fireworks to be reduced and over half (50.5%) would like displays to be limited to traditional events only, such as Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve and Diwali.

There was an indication that people feel change would also benefit social cohesion, as almost 85% (84.9%) agreed that fireworks can cause division among neighbours and in local communities.

Last year, we launched our ‘Keep Horses In Mind’ campaign to encourage people to consider if and how they use fireworks. To find out more click here.