Change Firework Laws For Animals | RSPCA - RSPCA
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.
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.