Help your horses stay safe this fireworks season

Ahead of fireworks night, the RSPCA has renewed its call for responsible use and community engagement to ease problems for animal owners at this stressful time of year.

RSPCA polling has revealed that an estimated 6.16 million households (22%) across Wales and England plan to set off fireworks this season.

In Wales, there are currently 15 local authorities who have taken proactive action to mitigate the negative impact of fireworks in their locality.

Measures local authorities can introduce include publicising displays in advance so that pet owners can be prepared, promoting public awareness campaigns, and encouraging local suppliers of fireworks to stock ‘quieter’ fireworks for public display.

RSPCA Cymru has urged councils to adopt a motion which encourages local authorities to write to the UK Government - who are responsible for the relevant legislation - to encourage them to limit the maximum noise level of purchasable fireworks.

Billie-Jade Thomas, Senior Public Affairs Manager, at RSPCA Cymru said: “Thousands of animals suffer every year due to fireworks, sometimes with devastating consequences. With more than six million households set to let off fireworks this season across Wales and England, animals face a really tough time again.

“We are delighted to have a majority of councils who have taken action and are doing what they can in their locality to increase awareness of the impacts of fireworks pose to animals - but everyone can do their bit this fireworks season.”

She added: “We want to see a restriction of fireworks sales to licensed venues only, and a limit to a set number of days when people can let off fireworks, enabling animal owners to plan ahead to protect their animals.

“We’d also like to see the noise level of fireworks reduced by manufacturers, clearly labelled on packaging, and include a warning that the fireworks may cause huge distress to animals.”

The British Horse Society offers the following advice for horse owners:

Desensitise your horse

Helping your horse get used to loud noises and flashing lights can reduce your horse's reaction to fireworks. You can introduce firework noises using any portable device you have to hand and can use colour-changing LED lights to introduce flashing lights.

Start by playing the noises at a low volume, then gradually increase the volume so your horse can get used to the sound

Introduce the flashing lights gradually, building them up steadily alongside the noises as your horse begins to get more comfortable and less reactive

Talk to your vet

If you know your horse has reacted particularly badly to fireworks in previous years, it may be a good idea to talk to your vet.

Check what's happening near you

Don't wait until Bonfire Night to find out what displays are happening, as many displays will happen before or after the day itself

Social media and local papers are often useful sources to check for public displays and local events

It's also worth talking to your neighbours to discuss any private displays they might be planning

Make sure your yard is safe

Tidy your yard to reduce the risk of a fire starting. It's a good idea to empty your muck heap and clear any unused hay, straw or other combustible material from the stable areas. Check your fire evacuation plan, fire extinguishers, and alarms

Check your stables for any protruding nails, sharp edges, or slippery surfaces that could cause injury to your horse if they do get spooked

Check all the fences and gates are secure to help prevent your horse from escaping their stable or field

On the evening of a firework display

Try to stay as calm as possible. If you're anxious, your horse will pick up on it

Keep your horse's routine wherever possible, but if you know when fireworks are starting, try to stay with your horse and play music to soften the sound

If you share a yard with other owners, you can set up a rota to check on the horses during peak firework season

You can report any incidents that happen to the BHS.

To stable or not to stable

While you might assume your horse will be safer in their stable than out in a field, there's no evidence either way: Some horses prefer being in their stables, while others feel safer outside where they can see the fireworks with companions close by

A horse can still get scared in a stable and injure themselves. However, in a field, they can build up more speed when frightened and potentially catch themselves on a fence or strain a muscle.

If you decide to turn your horse out, check your field is safe, secure and not close to where the display is happening. All it takes is one stray firework to prompt a horse to test boundaries.