A Parliamentary debate has been scheduled in response to Redwings Horse Sanctuary’s petition calling for quieter consumer fireworks, following a surge of public support in the run-up to Bonfire Night.

The charity’s petition asks the UK Government to reduce the maximum permitted noise level of consumer fireworks from 120 decibels to 90 decibels, aiming to lessen the impact on animals, including horses, as well as people affected by loud fireworks.

When is the debate?

The debate will take place on Monday 19 January at 4.30pm in Westminster Hall, London.

Redwings is encouraging supporters to contact their local MP and ask them to attend the debate.

Petition passes 175,000 signatures

Redwings’ petition has now been signed by more than 175,000 people, including celebrities and influencers such as broadcaster and writer Sir Stephen Fry. The petition passed the 100,000-signature threshold required to be considered for a Parliamentary debate shortly before Bonfire Night.

26 horses died due to fireworks between 2021 and 2025 according to the British Horse Society’s incident-recording system. It is recognised that many more incidents will go unrecorded.

Redwings urges supporters to write to their MP

Helen Whitelegg, Campaigns and Policy Manager at Redwings, said the charity was pleased the debate will take place shortly after New Year’s Eve, another time of year strongly associated with fireworks.

said Helen: “We’ve been waiting for this announcement for some weeks and are delighted that the debate will come shortly after New Year’s Eve, another date strongly associated with fireworks.

“We have a letter to MPs available to customise on our website, just click the Write to Your MP button, and all the details people need to send this to their local representative are available here.

“Ninety-five MPs from England, Scotland, Wales and across the political spectrum came to a drop-in event at Westminster to talk about the effects of fireworks on animals and people in November and we hope they will be motivated to attend on this date.

“As with all Parliamentary debates, a relevant Government minister will be there to listen and respond, making this a vital opportunity to canvas the people responsible for fireworks regulations and ensure they understand the strength of feeling on this issue across the UK.”

Why Redwings is campaigning for quieter fireworks

Tragically, Redwings says it has lost three rescued residents — Percy, Sprite and Cinders — after fireworks were set off near sanctuary sites in the past.

The charity cares for hundreds of horses, ponies, donkeys and mules across the UK, including Visitor Centres in Norfolk, Essex, Warwickshire and Angus (Scotland), as well as other locations.

Redwings launched its Keep Horse in Mind campaign, promoting horse welfare, last year and has been working alongside other charities and individuals to raise awareness and push for legislative change.

The charity also points to research — including a Redwings survey of over 5,000 UK horse owners — suggesting that reducing permitted noise levels could reduce negative impacts and help prevent further horse deaths.

Film highlights real-life stories

Earlier this month, Redwings released a film voiced by actor, filmmaker and animal welfare and conservationist Dan Richardson, featuring five stories from horse owners affected by fireworks. The charity has also urged people to choose low-noise fireworks, if fireworks are used at all.

Find out more

For advice, resources and updates on Redwings’ fireworks campaign, visit: Redwings | Fireworks