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Redwings Reply to Government Petition Response

The Firework Campaign

Redwings Horse Sanctuary have replied in detail to the government’s response to their petition:

https://www.redwings.org.uk/news-and-features/redwings-reaction-governments-response-our-fireworks-petition

“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.”

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/738192

Why now is the perfect time to email your MP

The Firework Campaign
  • 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.

The easiest way to contact your MP is to use https://www.writetothem.com/

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.

– Have a look at the Firework Campaign website and our petitions calling for action 

5. Request action:

– 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.

A new RSPCA for every kind

The Firework Campaign

By Chris Sherwood, Chief Executive, RSPCA

You might have noticed we look a bit different today – very different in fact! In our 200th year we’re proud to unveil a bold new look and feel for our historic charity. A new brand along with a new purpose – inspiring everyone to create a better world for every animal. In shorthand, people will see us talking about For Every Kind. That means for every kind of animal, whether it’s helping thousands through our vital rescue work, or helping millions more through our advocacy, prevention and education work, both here and around the world. But it also means for every person, whoever they are, because we need everyone to get involved in animal welfare.

In the 200 years since we were founded, we’ve changed attitudes, behaviours and laws towards animals and, as a society, we’ve revolutionised the way we think, feel and act towards them. But animals are now facing some of the biggest challenges in our 200-year history, from climate change to loss of habitat, intensive farming to the cost of living crisis. Unless we act urgently to put animal welfare back on the agenda as one of the most pressing issues of our time, we risk animals’ lives getting worse, not better.

We at the RSPCA have a critical role to play as the oldest and biggest animal charity in the country; with our powerful voice, we can bring individuals and organisations together to drive change. We know we can’t do it alone, which is where our new, brighter, bolder and more welcoming brand comes in.

We’re proud of our 200 year history, and we’ve achieved a lot, including changing more than 400 laws improving the lives of animals in labs, in farms, in homes and in the wild. But we have changed too and we know that, for many people, our old brand was out-of-date or off putting. We haven’t rebranded since the 1970s and it was holding us back from being the modern, forward-facing organisation we really want, and need, to be.

It isn’t just about a new logo, this is all about raising the profile of animal welfare and helping everyone understand that we can all play a part in improving animals’ lives. Our new brand will help us reach more people, people who may not have considered us, or their role in animal welfare, before. We want to build a movement for animals and the more people we can inspire to get involved, the more impact we can have for animals, now and for many years to come.

We’re at a turning point and we’re changing to meet the challenges ahead. We need as many people as possible to join us to create a better world for every animal. Because a world that’s better for animals is better for us all. 

Click here for RSPCA firework campaign