The RSPCA is urging people across Wiltshire to be considerate this fireworks season by thinking about the impact loud displays have on pets, horses, livestock and wildlife.
The charity has launched its Help Quieten the Noise campaign, encouraging residents to be a “Kind Spark” by talking to neighbours about planned celebrations and taking steps to protect animals from distress.
The appeal follows two tragic incidents last year. In the first, a horse was seriously injured and in the second a dog was killed after being startled by fireworks.
Polling by the RSPCA suggests around 6.16 million households in England and Wales plan to let off fireworks this year, with two-thirds of pet owners expressing concern about home or garden displays.
Carrie Stones, Campaign Manager at the RSPCA, said: “Thousands of animals suffer every year due to fireworks, sometimes with devastating consequences. With more than six million households set to let off fireworks this season, animals face a really tough time again.
“We know 66% of pet owners say that backyard firework displays are a major concern, which highlights the levels of anxiety and worry that so many animal owners have as we approach the fireworks season – especially given how impossible it can be to know when someone is going to let off fireworks in your area.”
The charity continues to receive reports every year of animals injured or killed after being frightened by fireworks. In one case last November, a horse named Foxy was severely injured at a riding centre in Bolton when professional-grade fireworks were set off nearby.
Owner Clare O’Donnell said: “I appreciate fireworks are part of our history and culture, and don’t want to ban them – but I believe in stronger animal welfare protections and support the creation of Firework Control Zones across England and Wales to safeguard animals and minimise distress.”
In another incident, a rescue dog named Luna died after bolting from her garden in panic. She was later found to have been struck by a train.
Dagmara, Luna’s owner, said the death could have been avoided: “It’s so upsetting. I wouldn’t want it to happen to another animal and their owner – yet we know it does every year.”
The RSPCA is calling for tighter controls around firework use, including:
- Reducing the maximum noise level from 120dB to 90dB.
- Restricting sales to licensed retailers only.
- Introducing “firework-free zones” to protect animals, vulnerable people and the environment.
- Encouraging councils to host organised, lower-impact displays.
- Promoting alternatives such as drone or laser light shows.
Carrie Stones said: “We’re asking people to help us prevent this suffering and save lives by advocating for change.
“People can take action by contacting their local council or MP, while also learning how to be a firework-friendly neighbour using our Kind Sparks advice.”
The RSPCA has also renewed its partnership with Classic FM for the annual Pet Classics broadcasts — designed to help calm pets during Bonfire Night celebrations. The programmes will air from 5pm to 9pm on Wednesday, 5 November and Saturday, 8 November.
Advice for pet and animal owners on coping with fireworks is available at www.rspca.org.uk.
