A significant milestone has been reached in Redwings Horse Sanctuary’s campaign to reduce the maximum permitted noise level of fireworks from 120 to 90 decibels, with over 100,000 signatures now secured on their Government petition.
The landmark figure, reached just before Bonfire Night, means the petition must now be considered for a Parliamentary debate. Redwings is encouraging continued support to demonstrate the strength of public concern around the impact of fireworks on animals.
Research, including a Redwings survey of over 5,000 UK horse owners, suggests that lowering the permitted noise level could help reduce distress and fatalities among horses. According to British Horse Society data, 26 horses have died due to fireworks between 2021 and 2025, though many more incidents likely go unreported.
Helen Whitelegg, Campaigns and Policy Manager at Redwings, said it takes a lot of effort to protect their rescued residents from the negative effects of fireworks, and unfortunately, their best efforts are not always enough. Having seen the suffering fireworks can cause, the season will always be an anxious time under current regulations.
The charity continues to call for legislative change through its Keep Horses in Mind campaign and as part of the Fireworks Impact Coalition, which represents 19 organisations working to protect both animals and people affected by fireworks.
You can still sign and share the petition here: Redwings Fireworks Petition
Find out more about Redwings’ fireworks campaign and advice here: redwings.org.uk/fireworks
