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HORSE Magazine



Reader Rant : Time for a firework ban?

Thursday 15 October 2009

With 5 November around the corner, I am already worrying about the inevitable run of fireworks parties, which seem to go on for weeks.

I don't have a problem with organised events on or around bonfire night, but surely there should be legislation stating that people can't set off fireworks at random dates?

Last year, we had people coming up to the North Downs in Kent, where I keep my horse, and setting off fireworks in early October. As we weren't expecting it, we hadn't taken any precautions and one of the horses panicked and broke out of the field.

Luckily he wasn't hurt, but this year we are all worried about when we should start bringing our horses in to prevent the same thing – or worse – happening again.

Why can't people be more considerate? Most of the time they don't even bother to warn you – even when they know in advance that they will be setting off fireworks close to horses.

And it's not just horses that suffer – my sister's 12-week-old puppy went missing after a group of revellers set off fireworks at a campsite in August.

Again, we were lucky that she came back the next day unharmed, but it was so upsetting for all of us, not least the poor dog.

So if you plan on having a fireworks party, please try to keep it within a week or so of 5 November, and if you don't then at least warn horsey neighbours well in advance.

Do you agree with Louise's views? If so, click here to vote