03/11/2026
Please think about the animals before lighting fireworks.
Beyond the garden fence may be a horse in its stable, sheep resting in a field or cattle gathered in a barn. They cannot understand why the sky is flashing or where the explosions are coming from. They simply have to live through them.
A frightened animal may try to escape, putting itself at risk from fences, gates and other obstacles. For the people caring for those animals, an unexpected display can turn an ordinary evening into hours of worry.
There is an important legal distinction behind this message. In England and Wales, the Animal Welfare Act 2006 makes it an offence to cause unnecessary suffering to a protected animal where the person knew, or ought reasonably to have known, their actions would cause or were likely to cause that suffering. Misusing fireworks can fall within that offence. The Act does not create an automatic blanket ban based simply on how close a firework is to livestock.
But consideration should begin long before anyone has to ask whether an offence has been committed.
Please avoid setting off fireworks near fields, stables, farmyards or buildings housing animals. Speak to neighbouring farmers and horse owners well in advance of any planned display. Give them a clear time and location, listen to their concerns and be willing to change your plans.
Advance notice gives people a chance to prepare, but it does not make an unsuitable location safe. A field that looks empty from the road may still have animals in it, and a closed barn door does not shut out the noise.
Think about what you could do instead. A celebration can still bring people together without sending sudden explosions across the surrounding countryside.
For someone nearby, the animal you cannot see is a much-loved companion or a life entrusted to their care.
A little consideration before the first bang could prevent a great deal of fear afterwards.
