The UK Government has launched a 12-week public consultation on proposed changes to fireworks regulations, including plans to reduce the maximum noise level of consumer fireworks, a move welcomed by Redwings Horse Sanctuary.

The consultation, which is open until 7 October 2026, invites the public to share their views on measures aimed at improving public safety while reducing the impact fireworks have on animals and vulnerable people.

For Redwings, the announcement marks an important milestone in its Keep Horses In Mind campaign, which has called for quieter fireworks following years of campaigning on behalf of horses affected by loud displays.

Redwings campaign highlights impact of loud fireworks on horses

Earlier this year, Redwings submitted a petition signed by more than 184,000 people, urging the Government to lower the legal noise limit for consumer fireworks from 120 decibels to 90 decibels.

The charity believes that while quieter fireworks would not eliminate every risk, reducing noise levels could significantly decrease the number of horses that suffer stress, injury or even death after being startled by fireworks.

Helen Whitelegg, Campaigns Manager at Redwings Horse Sanctuary, said the charity has experienced the devastating consequences of loud fireworks first-hand.

“Having sadly experienced the loss of three much-loved rescued residents here at the Sanctuary due to loud fireworks, as well as hearing from countless horse owners who have lost dear family horses, or suffered injuries themselves due to fireworks frightening their horses, we know we are not alone in dealing with the tragic outcomes when fireworks are used inappropriately.”

She added that many horse owners face anxiety each year as Bonfire Night and New Year’s Eve approach because they cannot predict when fireworks will be set off nearby.

Survey reveals widespread concern among horse owners

Research carried out by Redwings involving more than 5,000 UK horse owners found that:

• More than two-thirds had experienced fireworks affecting a horse in their care.
• Around 10% reported that a person was also injured after a horse was frightened by fireworks.
• More than 95% supported tighter regulation of fireworks.

Separate figures from the British Horse Society indicate that at least 28 horses have died in fireworks-related incidents over the past five years, although many cases are believed to go unreported.

Horse owner shares devastating experience

Somerset horse owner Jayne welcomed the consultation after her mare, Lucy, suffered severe injuries when startled by a firework last November.

Lucy broke her jaw during the incident and required months of intensive veterinary treatment and around-the-clock care. Although she survived, her jaw will never fully heal.

Jayne said: “Lucy’s wound became infected and she required round-the-clock care, special feed, vet visits, and wound treatments for more than four months.

“It was exhausting and I couldn’t really do anything other than care for her during all that time. The costs just kept going up and although it was all worth it to see Lucy pull through against the odds (though her jaw will never fully heal), I’m now terrified of what might happen if loud fireworks are let off again nearby in the future.”

Wider support for stronger fireworks regulations

Redwings is one of 19 organisations within the Fireworks Impact Coalition, which represents charities concerned about the effects of fireworks on domestic animals, livestock, wildlife and vulnerable people, including military veterans, people living with PTSD, burn survivors and assistance dog users.

Alongside proposals to reduce noise limits, the Government is also seeking views on whether additional high-risk fireworks should be removed from public sale.

Redwings is encouraging horse owners and members of the public to take part in the consultation here before it closes on 7 October 2026, saying public feedback could help shape future fireworks legislation that better protects horses, other animals and people.