A recent survey by Redwings has revealed that over 90% of horse owners advocate for the increased use of low-noise fireworks and alternatives to enhance equine welfare. The "Fireworks and Horses" survey garnered 5,128 responses from across the UK, aiming to collect firsthand accounts and owner perspectives on how fireworks impact horses.

The preliminary report, published on February 12, 2025, indicates that 67.9% of participants have observed negative effects of fireworks on their horses. Incidents reported include behavioural changes extending beyond the duration of fireworks displays, horses escaping from enclosures, injuries, illnesses, mares miscarrying, and, in some cases, fatalities. Alarmingly, respondents reported over 130 horse deaths attributed to fireworks-related incidents.

Concerns among horse owners are prevalent, with 87.2% expressing anxiety over the impact of fireworks on their animals. The primary issues cited are loud explosions (94.5%) and disruptive sounds like crackles and whistles (84%). A significant majority, 94.8%, support stricter regulations on fireworks usage.

These findings were presented to Minister Justin Madders, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Business and Trade, during a meeting with members of the Fireworks Working Group on February 4, 2025. This meeting followed the second reading of MP Sarah Owen's 'Fireworks Act 2025' private members' bill, which proposes reducing maximum noise levels of fireworks, limiting sales of high-noise variants, and conducting an independent review of online sales.

Helen Whitelegg, Redwings' Campaigns and Policy Manager highlighted the substantial response to the survey, noting the strong sentiments within the horse-owning community. She emphasized the charity's position: “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.” 

In 2024, Redwings launched the 'Keep Horses In Mind' campaign, encouraging thoughtful consideration of firework use to protect horse welfare. Full survey results and information on Redwings' fireworks initiatives can be found here.