Ahead of Bonfire Night and the harmful impact it can have on vulnerable people and animals, Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Epping Forest, hosted an event to raise awareness amongst parliamentarians and look to amend fireworks legislation.
Dr Hudson hosted the event alongside the Fireworks Working Group, a host of animal welfare, veteran and burn charities drawing on the wide-ranging impact that fireworks can have.
They discussed how the law is failing to protect those affected by the unpredictable and loud noise of fireworks, and contributes to the unnecessary number of children, young people and adults injured every year by a firework, which is why they are calling on the UK Government to urgently review the current legislation.
Together the alliance of charities is calling the attention of the UK Government to conduct a review of existing fireworks legislation, and for change with a view to introduce further restrictions on where and when they can be used. Through better regulating the use of fireworks, the charities hope to limit the unnecessary distress and life-changing injuries that can be inflicted on so many people and animals during fireworks season, which often lasts many evenings around key events such as Guy Fawkes Night, Diwali and New Year's Eve.
Speaking after the event, Dr Neil Hudson MP said:
"As a Veterinary Surgeon, I know more than most just how harmful fireworks can be to both kept and wild animals alike. Sadly the panic and distress it causes pets leads to detrimental health outcomes and even for them to go missing. Moreover, horses, cows, sheep and other animals in fields can startle and flee leading to injuries.
"And yet to humans too the impact can be profound. I've heard firsthand from some of our bravest veterans just how upsetting the loud noises can be to those who have experienced the devastation of war.
"Each year, it is also hard to ignore the injuries sustained from unsafe practices - particularly children who are then saddled for the rest of their life with painful burns, or awful face and eye injuries.
"As such, I was delighted to host such worthy charities in Parliament and to raise awareness for their important work."
Dr Hudson co-hosted the event with charities: Assistance dogs UK, Battersea, Blue Cross, Bravehound, the British Horse Society, the British Veterinary Association, Cats Protection, Children's Burn Trust, Combat Stress, Dan's Fund for Burns, Help for Heroes, Dogs Trust, the Kennel Club, PTSD UK, Redwings Horse Sanctuary (which has a site in Dr Hudson's Epping Forest constituency), the RSPCA, and Service Dogs UK.
Redwings Horse Sanctuary’s Campaigns and Policy Manager Helen Whitelegg said:
“The event was well attended considering it was such a busy day for MPs and the people who came were very supportive of the need to address the adverse impact of fireworks not only on horses, but also on other animals, people, wildlife and the environment through changes to legislation.
“We recognise that many people do not realise that horses die or are injured every year because of fireworks, and oftentimes the people near them are injured.
“Between 1st November 2010 and 29th February 2024, there were 1,468 fireworks-related incidents involving horses – 49 horses died, 317 were injured and 84 people were hurt as a result. Here at Redwings, we have lost three of our own - Cinders, Percy and Sprite. The stats are alarming, but we know they only tell part of the story, and many more incidents go unrecorded.”
Sasha Misra, Help for Heroes Head of Communications, Public Affairs & Policy, said:
"Our research indicates that nearly a quarter (23%) of all military veterans in England and Wales report fireworks triggering a negative experience for them. The unexpected flashes of light, loud noises, and the smell of fireworks and bonfires can revive painful and traumatic memories of combat, particularly in those suffering from PTSD.
"The cross-party support demonstrated at the event signals hope for meaningful change. In the meantime, we encourage those celebrating this season to be mindful in their use of fireworks, so everyone can feel safe and comfortable at this time of year.”
