With Bonfire Night behind us and New Year’s Eve approaching, fireworks and their impact on animals are once again under scrutiny. Following growing public concern, the UK Government has been considering changes to fireworks legislation, including restrictions on the loudest fireworks available to the public.
But what has actually changed, what does the law currently say about setting off fireworks near horses and livestock, and will the proposed reforms make a difference to New Year’s celebrations?
Government Proposes Tougher Fireworks Regulations
In July 2026, the UK Government launched a 12-week consultation on proposed reforms to fireworks and pyrotechnics legislation, acknowledging growing concerns about noise, antisocial behaviour and the distress fireworks can cause to people and animals.
One of the most significant proposals is to reduce the maximum permitted noise level of fireworks sold to the general public.
Currently, consumer fireworks can produce noise levels of up to 120 decibels under the applicable testing standard. The Government has consulted on reducing this limit to 110 decibels, which it says would approximately halve the perceived loudness. More restrictive limits of 100 or 90 decibels were also considered.
Other proposals include restricting particularly loud fireworks to professional operators and reviewing whether additional high-risk pyrotechnic products should be prohibited from public sale.
The consultation closed on 7 October 2026. The Government is now reviewing the responses before deciding which changes, if any, should be introduced.
Importantly, these are proposals, not changes that have already come into force.
What Is the Current Law Around Fireworks?
Fireworks are already subject to restrictions governing their sale, purchase and use.
In England and Wales, the general rules include:
- Fireworks must not normally be set off between 11pm and 7am.
- On Bonfire Night, the permitted period extends until midnight.
- On New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year, fireworks can be used until 1am the following morning.
- It is illegal to set off or throw fireworks in streets and other public places.
- Category F2 and F3 fireworks cannot be sold to anyone under 18.
- Category F4 fireworks are restricted to professional users.
Scotland has additional restrictions. Adult fireworks can generally only be used between 6pm and 11pm, with extensions for certain celebrations, including New Year’s Eve. Local authorities can also establish Firework Control Zones, where additional restrictions apply.
In Northern Ireland, purchasing, possessing or using most fireworks requires a licence.
Local restrictions and permissions may also apply, so anyone planning a display should check the rules for their area.
What Does the Law Say About Fireworks Near Horses and Livestock?
This is an area where many horse owners, farmers and rural residents may be surprised by the current legal position.
There is no general UK-wide law that automatically prohibits fireworks from being released near fields containing horses, cattle, sheep or other livestock.
However, this does not mean that people can set off fireworks without considering the consequences for animals.
In England and Wales, the Animal Welfare Act 2006 makes it an offence to cause unnecessary suffering to protected animals, including horses and farm livestock.
Depending on the circumstances, someone who sets off fireworks knowing that their actions are likely to cause unnecessary suffering to nearby animals could potentially face legal consequences.
Whether an offence has occurred depends on the facts, including whether suffering was caused, whether it was reasonably foreseeable and whether it could have been avoided.
There is an important difference between an activity being distressing to an animal and being able to establish a criminal offence under animal welfare legislation.
This can make incidents involving fireworks particularly difficult to address, especially where animals are frightened or injured but identifying the person responsible, establishing the circumstances or demonstrating unnecessary suffering proves challenging.
For farmers and horse owners, this remains a significant concern.
Farmers Call for Greater Protection for Livestock
The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has also responded to the Government’s consultation, calling for stronger protections for livestock and rural businesses.
The NFU supports lower noise limits for consumer fireworks and the development of quieter alternatives to help reduce the risk of stress and injury to farm animals.
It has also called for better enforcement where fireworks are misused near livestock, alongside consideration of advance notification requirements for displays taking place near farmland.
The distinction between organised displays and unexpected private fireworks is particularly important.
When farmers and horse owners know that fireworks are planned, they have an opportunity to assess the risks, check fencing and accommodation, and make arrangements for vulnerable animals.
Unannounced fireworks leave little opportunity to prepare.
What Will Change for New Year’s Eve 2026?
With New Year’s Eve approaching, many animal owners will understandably be asking whether the proposed legislation will offer greater protection this year.
At present, the Government has not confirmed a new reduced noise limit or an implementation date.
The proposed reforms would require further legislative steps before becoming law, and the Government has discussed allowing a transition period for the fireworks industry.
This means that, unless further legislation is introduced, the existing rules will continue to apply to New Year’s Eve celebrations on 31 December 2026.
In England and Wales, fireworks will still generally be permitted until 1am on 1 January 2027. Scotland has its own permitted hours and local restrictions, while Northern Ireland maintains its licensing requirements.
Even if the proposed noise restrictions are introduced in future, professional displays would still be able to use louder fireworks under the Government’s current proposals.
For horse and livestock owners, advance warning, responsible planning and consideration from neighbours and event organisers will therefore remain essential.
Redwings Calls for Quieter Fireworks – Keep Horses In Mind
One organisation continuing to push for change is Redwings Horse Sanctuary, through its Keep Horses In Mind campaign.
Redwings is calling for low-noise fireworks, below 90 decibels, to become the standard across the UK, helping to protect horses, other animals and people who experience distress from loud fireworks.
The charity’s 2024 Fireworks and Horses survey received more than 5,000 responses from horse owners and revealed the scale of concern surrounding fireworks.
Among respondents:
- 87% said they worried about the potential impact of fireworks on their horses.
- More than two-thirds reported that a horse in their care had been negatively affected by fireworks.
- More than 95% supported tighter fireworks regulations.
- Just over 90% believed greater use of low-noise fireworks or alternatives would benefit horse welfare.
Redwings has also launched its Go Low initiative, encouraging people who choose to use fireworks to select quieter alternatives and consider the impact on animals and their communities.
The charity is continuing to encourage supporters to contact their MPs and maintain pressure for meaningful changes following the Government consultation.
For Animalweb readers, the message is clear. Fireworks can have serious consequences for horses and livestock, and responsible use should involve much more than simply complying with permitted hours.
As the Government considers its next steps, the coming months will be important in determining whether the UK moves towards quieter fireworks and stronger protections for animals.
In the meantime, horse owners, farmers and those organising celebrations can all play a part in reducing the risks.
Find Out More
UK Government – Fireworks and Pyrotechnics Consultation
Government Guidance – Fireworks: The Law
Redwings Horse Sanctuary – Keep Horses In Mind and Go Low Campaign
