In the line of fire

FIREWORKS may be a delight for many, but they often cause distress, injury and even death to horses, ponies and other domesticated animals.

In the past nine years, the British Horse Society (BHS) has received reports of 279 firework-related incidents, with 101 horses injured and 20 fatalities.

They include a pregnant mare aborting her foal; another horse dead in the field after “doing the splits” in an attempt to run away from fireworks; a horse owner left in a life-threatening condition after her horse kicked her in the face and chest while fireworks were being let off nearby; loss of stables to fire and the death of a stallion due to smoke inhalation and severe burns.

Many unsuccessful representations have been made in a bid to restrict fireworks to organized displays only. Now, at last, there could be a glimmer of hope on the horizon.

“The government’s petitions committee launched an official inquiry into fireworks law in February, including the case for a ban on public sale and use,” says Alan Hiscox, BHS head of safety and welfare. “Formal evidence from relevant public bodies and firework experts is being gathered, and a public survey is under way. This will lead to a report with recommendations to the government; it will then be debated in the House of Commons.”

IN the meantime, though, what can be done to prevent accidents?

Most agree that two-way communication is vital.