Shropshire, England (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Animal welfare advocates and pet owners are urging tighter control over fireworks sales as loud displays continue to distress pets across the UK. Rescue centers report dogs trembling, panicking, and injuring themselves during fireworks.
As fireworks light up the skies across the UK during the festive season, animal welfare advocates and pet owners are sounding the alarm over the devastating impact the loud displays are having on pets. From trembling dogs to injured animals, the calls for tighter regulations — and a shift toward silent fireworks — are getting louder.
Pet Owners Speak Out Against Firework Noise
Among those leading the plea for change is dog trainer Ms. Stoker, who recalls being “terrified” of fireworks as a child. While her nine-year-old cane corso remains mostly “alert but tolerant” of the bursts and bangs, she has seen countless animals experience severe distress.
Ms. Stoker and her business partner, Rachel Trafford, often work with dogs that become “incredibly ill” during firework season. She insists that while no one wants to spoil the fun, there needs to be a balance between celebration and compassion.
“Now you can buy silent fireworks, so we’ve really got no excuse to be using these traumatizing ones,” Ms. Stoker said. “It’s having too much of an impact for them to be as freely available as they are.”
Her comments reflect a growing frustration among animal advocates who believe that the widespread sale of loud fireworks has outpaced public awareness of their consequences — especially on pets and livestock.
Animal Rescue Centers Facing the Fallout
Jenny Martinez, who runs Grinshill Animal Rescue in Shropshire, experiences the problem firsthand every year. Her rural rescue center is home to up to 28 dogs and six cats, all of whom are affected when fireworks explode across the countryside.
Because of the center’s open surroundings, the noise often echoes dramatically.
“It can sound like World War Two,” she explained.
During fireworks displays, she and her team take every precaution to protect their animals — keeping them indoors, playing the radio to mask the noise, and staying with them through the night.
Despite these efforts, the fear among animals can be overwhelming. Her collie, Winnie, spent an entire night trembling because of a nearby firework display just two weeks ago.
“It’s quite distressing to watch because you don’t know how to comfort them any more than you physically can,” Ms. Martinez said. “Otherwise, some dogs would just go absolutely berserk and try to get through doors to get away from the noise.”
Veterinary professionals are also voicing growing concern. Jon Slattery, a veterinary surgeon from Best Friends Veterinary in Malvern, Worcestershire, said that dogs and horses are particularly vulnerable to the noise and flashes.
He recounted one particularly harrowing incident in which a frightened German shepherd jumped through a glass window, severely injuring itself in a desperate attempt to escape the sound.
“That was the worst one I had,” Mr. Slattery said. “It’s becoming more of an issue as the number of cultural and religious celebrations increases — and that’s not including fireworks being sold to, dare I say it, teenagers.”
Slattery supports a move toward silent fireworks, calling himself “a big advocate” of restricting public sales to only quieter varieties.
RSPCA Data Reveals Widespread Concern
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has long campaigned for reforms around fireworks use. According to its 2024 survey, 66% of pet owners said that backyard fireworks were a major concern.
The charity reports that fireworks can reach noise levels of 120 to 175 decibels — as loud as a jet engine — and that these sounds can cause pets to experience fear, anxiety, and elevated stress levels. Prolonged exposure may even result in injury or trauma. The RSPCA said in a statement.
“Every year, our helplines are inundated with calls from distressed pet owners. “While celebrations are part of our culture, we must find ways to ensure they don’t come at the expense of animal welfare.”
Possible Measures to Protect Pets
Experts are now recommending a number of simple but effective steps to minimize the impact of fireworks on pets. These include:
- Building a den where pets can feel safe and secure.
- Using toys or treats to keep them distracted during displays.
- Blocking out noise by closing windows, curtains, and turning on the TV or radio.
- Offering comfort and reassurance if pets seek it.
- Consulting veterinarians about anti-anxiety medication for highly sensitive animals.
- Ms. Stoker also promotes desensitisation training, a method of gradually introducing animals to firework-like sounds in a controlled environment. This technique, she says, helps many dogs overcome their fears over time.
Public Pressure for Silent Alternatives
The growing accessibility of silent fireworks — which produce vibrant light effects without the loud bangs — has renewed debate over whether the traditional versions should remain on sale to the general public.
Supporters of the change argue that silent alternatives still allow for stunning visual displays while protecting animals, veterans with PTSD, and even vulnerable individuals sensitive to loud noise.
Meanwhile, retailers have also begun stocking more “low-noise” firework options in response to consumer demand. Yet, campaigners like Ms. Stoker believe it’s not enough.
“If the technology exists to make fireworks quieter, then why are we still selling ones that terrify animals every year?” she asked. “We need to make compassion part of the celebration.”
A Balancing Act Between Celebration and Responsibility
For now, communities across the UK continue to grapple with the balance between tradition and animal welfare. Fireworks remain a cherished part of national festivities — from Bonfire Night to New Year’s Eve — but for many pet owners, those same celebrations are nights of dread and anxiety.
Authorities in some regions have already introduced dispersal orders and restricted fireworks zones to reduce antisocial behaviour linked to fireworks misuse. Campaigners hope this momentum will grow into a nationwide review of firework legislation, especially concerning public access and decibel limits. As Ms. Martinez puts it,
“We’re not asking people to stop celebrating. We’re just asking them to do it in a way that doesn’t terrify the animals we love.”
Brussels Morning is a daily online newspaper based in Belgium. BM publishes unique and independent coverage on international and European affairs. With a Europe-wide perspective, BM covers policies and politics of the EU, significant Member State developments, and looks at the international agenda with a European perspective.
