Fireworks cause distress and anxiety to many people and animals. This can lead to injuries and death.
The Firework Campaign has been campaigning on behalf of those adversely affected by fireworks in the UK since 2013. During this time we have heard from numerous human and animal charities about how fireworks affect their members.
Some of the bigger charities have now come together to form the Firework Impact Coalition to ask the government for legislation reform read more …
If you run a charity, not for profit organisation or business
We Want Your Voice To Be Heard
Introducing The Association for Firework Legislation Reform (AFLR). Our mission is to gather support from the wide range of charities, organisations, groups and individuals who are all, in one way or another, negatively affected by the extreme overuse of fireworks today. We hope to improve the welfare of vulnerable members of society, as well as domestic, agricultural and wild animals, whilst balancing people’s right to enjoy fireworks read more …
We ask for nothing more than your endorsement and would love to add your organisation to the growing list of supporters.
“With more than 45,000 people having signed our petition in just seven weeks, we know that there is enormous public support for Redwings’ call to simply reduce the maximum noise level of fireworks from 120 decibels to 90 decibels.
All petitions that achieve 10,000 responses receive a government response and we have now received that response. Everyone who has already signed the petition should have been sent an email notification with the government’s statement.
Redwings is disappointed but unsurprised to read that at this stage the government is continuing to focus on the need to promote responsible use of fireworks within current regulations.
Unfortunately, we believe that this approach is ineffective and places an impractical burden on firework users themselves to fully understand the multiple negative impacts a single display may have and make fully informed decisions as a result.
Loud fireworks can cause significant distress to horses, dogs, cats, other pets, livestock, military veterans, people living with PTSD, sensory issues such as autism or neuromuscular conditions such as cerebral palsy. Without knowledge of every person and animal in the vicinity of a planned display and how fireworks may affect them, we do not think it is possible for organisers to prevent possible harm.
While we welcome the government’s efforts to raise awareness of the potential impact of fireworks, we don’t feel the messages are strong or clear enough to adequately convey the level of risk even legal use of fireworks involves and how important it is that those considering using fireworks take steps to mitigate those risks. We are also unsure that these messages will reach enough people to make a difference.
We feel strongly that by only making low-noise fireworks available to the public, far greater protection from distress to animals, people and wildlife is achieved, while allowing those who wish to use fireworks to celebrate to do so.
We welcome the government’s commitment to engaging with charities like Redwings and other organisations who are calling for better regulation of fireworks. We have already shared evidence of the impact fireworks can have on horses and their owners through our Fireworks and Horses survey report and attended a meeting with the Department of Business and Trade earlier this year. We have also shown that the Animal Welfare Act does not offer adequate protection against incidences of inadvertent suffering to animals caused by fireworks in our ground-breaking report published in 2024.
As the evidence and support for regulatory change continue to increase, it is becoming notably harder for the government to avoid meaningful action on this issue. On reaching 100,000 petition signatures we are confident of triggering a parliamentary debate which will provide an opportunity to engage in more detail on the many reasons why there is no longer a place for excessively loud fireworks in our inclusive and animal-loving society.
If you haven’t already signed the petition, please add your name today and share as widely as you can to help us achieve our 100,000 signature target. Thank you.”
Fireworks are a year-round issue, but they become especially problematic during Fireworks Season – a term the Government itself has coined for this period. Yet, despite the escalation in noise, danger, and distress, officials still claim there’s no real problem with fireworks.
Since 2013, the Firework Campaign has been fighting to raise awareness and push for change. Over the years, we’ve achieved significant milestones: six debates in Westminster Hall, a comprehensive inquiry by the Petitions Committee in 2019, and the Scottish consultation that led to the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022.
While these victories mark progress in Scotland, no similar changes have been made in England and Wales. So, we asked ourselves: where do we go from here?
Initially, our efforts were met with hostility – firework enthusiasts often bullied and intimidated us, discouraging charities from supporting the cause. Thankfully, that dynamic has shifted. Our persistent campaigning has brought the serious harm caused by fireworks into the public eye, empowering charities to speak out about the distress and danger they cause.
In response, a coalition has formed – the Firework Impact Coalition (formerly known as the Fireworks Working Group) – comprising various charities united to lobby the Government for change. Recognizing the importance of collective action, we established the Association for Firework Legislation Reform (AFLR) to rally support from organisations, groups, businesses and individuals affected by excessive firework use to support the Firework Impact Coalition.
We need as many voices as possible – charities, businesses, community groups – to back AFLR. Demonstrating widespread concern is crucial to convincing policymakers to implement meaningful restrictions and regulations.
We have a growing list of supporters but we can’t do this alone. We need your help. Please reach out and talk to local organisations about joining AFLR.
Redwings Horse Sanctuary have started a petition asking the government to reduce the maximum noise level for fireworks from 120 decibels to 90 decibels. Please sign and share the petition
Five members of the Fireworks Working Group – animal welfare, veterans and children’s health charities – and Sarah Owen MP met with Minister Justin Madders, Parliamentary Under-secretary of State at the Department for Business and Trade on 04/02/2025. It was a very productive meeting and the Government are keen to listen to campaigners and take our concerns on board.
Results Published from Redwings Fireworks & Horses Survey
On behalf of Redwings Horse Sanctuary, thank you to everyone who completed their Fireworks and Horses survey. Over 5,000 (5,128) responses were recorded from across the UK with 67.9% of those taking part having first hand experience of their horses being negatively affected by fireworks.
Unfortunately the 2nd reading of Sarah Owen’s fireworks bill was timed out today after only 10 minutes (17/01/2025).
Sarah has given a new date of 25/04/2025 for Second Reading but it will go to the back of the queue on that day. However it does keep the Bill alive allowing ongoing conversations with Government.
Don’t be disheartened as there’s lots of momentum going forward.
If you are over 16, live in the UK and care for at least one horse, pony, donkey or mule, Redwings Horse Sanctuary would love to hear your thoughts and experiences about the impact of fireworks on equines. There is a maximum of 22 questions and the survey should only take around 6 minutes to complete. The survey will remain open until Sunday 19th January 2025.
Our 2024 petition was debated on 09/12/2024 along with the 2023 petition. It’s a long debate as so many MPs spoke in favour of reform – you can watch it here or read the Hansard transcript.
On 9th December the 2023 government petition on fireworks will be debated in Westminster Hall, offering a critical opportunity to influence future regulations
On 10th December, Sarah Owen’s MP drop-in event will provide a platform for MPs to understand the importance of firework reform and its public backing
On 17th January, Sarah Owen’s private members’ bill will have its second reading
Combined with the 1 million+ supporters of our change petition and the current government petition over 50,000 signatures in 10 days, this is our best chance to show MPs how much public support exists for stricter regulations
Fireworks cause significant harm to pets, wildlife, the environment and people with conditions affected by fireworks. Emailing your MP is a key step toward pushing for better regulations. Some people have suggested a template they can use to email their MP, but unfortunately, it is likely such an email would be rejected as it would be identified as a duplicate or spam. Writing your message in your own words makes it far more likely to be noticed and taken seriously.
In order to help, we have included below some points to consider, which can be used as a guideline:
1. Introduce your concern:
– Example: “I am writing to share my concerns about the significant harm caused by the widespread use of fireworks in our community.”
2. Share your personal experience (optional but beneficial if you can):
– Briefly explain how fireworks affect you, your family, or your pets.
– Example: “Every year, my dog suffers severe anxiety due to fireworks, requiring sedation for weeks.”
3. Highlight the wider impact:
– Mention the effects on wildlife, farm animals, or vulnerable individuals such as those with PTSD, dementia, or neurodivergent conditions such as autism.
– Include environmental concerns, such as pollution from chemicals and debris.
4. Propose solutions:
– Suggest restricting fireworks to licensed, organised events only.
– Call for designated firework dates to limit prolonged distress.
– Example: “I urge you to advocate for stricter regulations on fireworks and raise this issue in Parliament.”
– Ask them to attend the debate on 9th December.
– Ask them to attend Sarah Owen’s MP drop-in event on 10th December, where MPs can learn more about her private members’ bill on firework reform and the widespread public support for these changes.
– Ask them to support the second reading of Sarah Owen’s private members bill on 17th January.
6. Be polite and concise:
– Example: “Thank you for taking the time to consider my concerns. I hope you will support changes to address this issue.”
Always remember to add your full name, address, phone number, and email address, otherwise your email may be ignored.
The Firework Campaign UK 