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.

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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.