Change Firework Laws For Animals | RSPCA - RSPCA
Change firework laws to protect animals
#BangOutOfOrder. Thousands of pets, horses and livestock are affected by fireworks. Many hurt themselves in reaction to the noise and flashes or, in the worst cases, it can cause death.
Change firework laws to protect animals
Thousands of animals suffer every year due to fireworks. Help prevent their pain and save lives by joining us in advocating for change.
Current laws don't work for private displays
Organised local events will generally receive prior notice through advertising and word of mouth. The timings for these events are also arranged within a timeframe to attract families.
Private displays are much more unpredictable and harder to control. It becomes impossible for neighbours to prepare their pets, horses and livestock properly.
- 64% were animals impacted by private at-home backyard displays
- 92% didn't have prior notice of fireworks displays nearby
- 14% were animals in distress as a result of antisocial behaviour
Calm your pet during firework nights with Classic FM
69% of UK adults with a pet take at least one measure to help relax or prepare their animal for fireworks season.
Playing relaxing music is the most common. It shows why our partnership with Classic FM's pet classics is such a massive hit.
Listen to pet classics 5pm to 9pm, 4-5 November.
Firework regulation changes we're asking for
We want to see fireworks regulations changed to protect our pets, wildlife and farm animals.
We'd like to see the UK Government follow Scotland's lead and change laws for the following:
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Fireworks should only be sold and let off for Bonfire Night specifically from October 29 to November 5, with similar time limitations for other traditional dates. Meaning a much shorter timespan than currently.
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We want to follow in the footsteps of countries that have successfully used firework control zones to protect vulnerable individuals and animals.
Fireworks must be entirely prohibited near:- horses' habitats
- sensitive wildlife areas
- farms
- animal centres
- zoos
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The maximum permitted noise level for public sale of fireworks must be reduced from 120dB to 90dB, in line with international standards, to mitigate noise pollution and protect animals and individuals.
We believe that by introducing these measures, we can establish effective legislation that prioritises the safety and well-being of animals and vulnerable people. We believe that responsible enjoyment is possible for all.
Have your animals been affected by fireworks?
We need your experiences and stories for us to show the true impact of fireworks. Help us solve this by filling out our short survey.
Cats and dogs have a greater hearing range and higher sensitivity than humans
The affects of private displays
During the 2023 fireworks season 67% of respondents to our impact reporting survey highlighted that private back yard displays were the cause of their animals fear response.
Harmful sound levels to pets
Fireworks can produce a sound between 120-175 decibels (db). Dogs and cats ears are more sensitive and can hear sounds much further away than humans.
Sounds over 85 dB can damage a humans hearing, while sounds over 140 dB can cause immediate damage and pain. It’s well known that animals have more sensitive hearing than humans in both frequency and volume.
Animals such as dogs and horses can suffer from tinnitus, hearing loss and long-term hearing damage caused by fireworks, as well as experiencing stress and fear. Similarly, livestock such as horses often try to escape the bangs out of fear, sometimes injuring themselves in the process.
Decibel key
- 140 dB: Causes immediate damage and pain
- 130 dB: Ambulance/Jackhammer
- 120 dB: Jet plane takeoff/Thunder
- 110 dB: Sporting events/Nightclub
- 100 dB: Motorcycle
- 90 dB: Blender/Power tools
- 85 dB: Harmful level above this point
- 80 dB: Police siren
- 75 dB: Vacuum cleaner
- 70 dB: Office
- 60 dB: Normal conversation level
See how many animals are affected in your area with private displays
See the impact of your at home fireworks displays. Simply input your postcode or location into the box below and click ‘Search’.
Pet population data published by: Animal and Plant Health Agency.
Last updated: 01 November 2023.
Out with the Bang, take action!
Join us by encouraging your local council and MP to take more action on fireworks by implementing our recommendations. Use our pre-written email, it only takes a minute.
Further reading
Bibliography
Office for product safety standards. 2021. Fireworks: noise levels and impacts on health and the environment
HM Government. 2020. An introduction to how dogs hear
Animal and Plant Health Agency. 2023.
The Social Market Foundation.
Take action and contact your MP
Whilst some councils have supported our calls for help across England and Wales, the UK Government needs to step in to urgently review current laws.
Join us by encouraging your local MP to take more action on fireworks. Use our pre-written email, it only takes a minute.
Colour in poster children's activity
Choose your posters for colouring in and displaying in your window to spread the word.