Horse owners call for changes to fireworks law

Sarah Russell believes fireworks should be made quieter

Horse owners are campaigning for a change in the law to reduce the loudness of fireworks.

They also want rules to ensure bonfire night displays are held at least 550 yards (500m) away from horses and other livestock.

Sarah Russell, who runs a stable in Walkington, East Yorkshire, said that some horses have to be sedated around Bonfire Night to cope with the issues created by fireworks.

The Department for Business and Trade said there is a maximum legal noise level set for fireworks and other measures, such as time restrictions, are also in place.

Some horses have to be sedated around Bonfire Night, says one stable owner

Ms Russell said: "We are warned about displays, but a lot of them [horses] do need sedating.

"We can't just take them somewhere or lock them in and close the curtains and turn music loud."

The law currently restricts the loudness of fireworks to 120dB, but campaigners want that reduced to 90dB which is the equivalent of a kitchen blender.

"I'll say even 90 is still quite loud," Ms Russell added.

Ms Russell also questioned the proximity of Bonfire Night displays to animals, with the law saying that fireworks should not be let off "near" livestock.

"There's no definition of near, and that's the main problem," she said.

"What is near?

"Because we're only 230 metres to the stable block to where the big display goes off.

"So I do think the law does need to change and there is a lot more people standing up now and making themselves heard."

A spokesperson for the Department for Business and Trade said: "We understand the disturbance fireworks can cause to people and animals, and we expect people to act responsibly and consider others when using them.

"There is already a maximum legal noise level set for fireworks and time restrictions on when they can be used, and we also regularly launch fireworks safety campaigns to help people use them considerately."

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