The government has announced plans to crack down on the loudest fireworks to better protect people, pets and wildlife.
The proposals, announced on Thursday, 16th July, would see the loudest fireworks restricted to professionally managed displays, effectively ending their private use if adopted.
Major celebrations such as New Year's Eve – and the unpredictable bangs and flashes in the days and weeks leading up to them – create a major challenge for dog owners every year, who often struggle to keep their pets calm both at home and on walks.
Research from the Royal Kennel Club found that 80% of dog owners notice significant changes in their dog's behaviour during fireworks, with many pets showing signs of extreme fear, including trembling, hiding, barking excessively and becoming unusually clingy.
Meanwhile, conservation groups have warned explosions can cause animals to panic, become injured and, in some cases, even die. Helen Whitelegg, Campaigns Manager for Redwings Horse Sanctuary, said the organisation lost "three of our own rescue horses due to loud fireworks."
They can also be deeply distressing for people who have suffered traumatic experiences.
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Chloe Mackay, CEO of Combat Stress, said that the loud noises, unexpected flashes and the smell of smoke can "bring back painful and traumatic memories of combat" for military veterans.
Residents, charities, emergency services and animal welfare organisations have long been campaigning for tighter restrictions on fireworks.
Now, the government has unveiled proposals that Consumer Protection Minister Kate Dearden says will tackle what has become a growing problem, calling the use of private fireworks a "form of antisocial behaviour".
She said: "Extremely loud fireworks used by individuals at all hours of the day and night have become a nightmare for many communities in recent years. The sound of large explosions on residential streets is a cause of fear, disrupted sleep, and does huge harm to our beloved pets."
The consultation sets out reforms aimed at reducing the noise and risks associated with fireworks by banning their private use while allowing professional displays to continue.
"We want the professional displays which bring communities together to continue," the minister said, while taking them "out of the hands of those who use them irresponsibly."
Animal organisations have welcomed the announcement. "We welcome new measures that aim to reduce the distress fireworks can cause while allowing celebrations to continue responsibly," says Dr Ed Hayes, Head of Public Affairs at the Royal Kennel Club.
"We have campaigned on this issue for many years, investing significant effort in raising awareness, including hosting parliamentary events in Westminster, briefing MPs and peers ahead of debates, engaging directly with Ministers and officials, and encouraging dog owners to make their voices heard."
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Wanda Sachs is the Multiplatform Writer for Country Living and House Beautiful, exploring the latest in gardening, wildlife and sustainable living alongside interiors and property. She is particularly interested in human-interest stories, the intersection of design and pop culture, and the evolving relationship between urban and rural life. Previously, she served as Associate Editor at The Berliner in Berlin, where she reported on culture and fashion. Wanda studied English and German at the Goethe University Frankfurt and Exeter University.
