Scottish SPCA calls for UK ban on private sale and use of fireworks

The charity is urging action to protect pets, horses, farm animals and wildlife from preventable fear, injury and death.

The Scottish SPCA is calling for a UK-wide ban on the private sale and use of fireworks, warning that animals should not have to suffer as a consequence of celebration.

Launching its campaign ahead of Bonfire Night, Scotland’s national animal welfare charity is highlighting the impact of fireworks on animals in our homes, rescue centres, farms and the wild.

Sudden bangs, bright flashes and unpredictable bursts can cause intense fear. Animals may flee, injure themselves or become lost, while others hide, refuse food or remain distressed for hours after the noise has stopped. Repeated fireworks over several days or weeks make it particularly difficult for owners and carers to prepare and protect their animals.

The Scottish SPCA recently surveyed 1,625 of its members, asking them if they are worried about the upcoming Bonfire Night and the effect it may have on their animal. 67% of the respondents said that they were extremely anxious about Bonfire Night and the effect it may have on their pet.

A staggering 98.2% said that they would support a full ban on the public sale and use of fireworks in Scotland, limiting their use to professionally organised displays which are in a safe and controlled environment.

Recent results from this year’s Animal Kindness Index, conducted by YouGov and produced by RSPCA, Scottish SPCA and USPCA, also highlighted that support for Firework Control Zones (FCZ) is higher in Scotland (86%) than in the rest of the UK (80%).

One cat (pictured) ended up in the Scottish SPCA’s care on Bonfire Night back in 2022 after she injured herself in her enclosure as a result of being frightened and trying to escape the noise of fireworks. The injury that she sustained required extensive treatment over a period of months, meaning that she wasn’t ready to be rehomed until the following March.

This resulted from the fear and stress caused by the Bonfire Night incident and meant that she remained in the charity’s care longer for much longer than she should have.

Nicola Strachan, Head of Advocacy and Strategic Partnerships at the Scottish SPCA, said:

“For many animals, fireworks are far more than a few moments of noise. The fear can continue long after a display ends, and the consequences can be devastating.

“Preventable suffering is unacceptable. Where an animal is injured or loses its life because of fireworks, we cannot simply dismiss this as an unfortunate consequence of people enjoying themselves. No celebration can justify a death or injury that could have been avoided.

“Our staff see the distress fireworks cause to animals in our care, but this reaches far beyond our centres. It affects pets in people’s homes, horses in fields and stables, livestock on farms and wildlife with nowhere safe to retreat.

“We are asking governments to take that harm seriously and put stronger protections in place.”

The Scottish SPCA is calling for an end to private sale and use, while allowing professionally organised, controlled displays to continue.

Organised displays still carry animal welfare risks. However, advance notice, a known location and a defined duration give owners and carers a better opportunity to prepare. Organisers should consider nearby homes, rescue centres, farms, stables and wildlife habitats when planning an event, minimise disturbance and ensure debris is cleared afterwards.

The campaign also highlights the risks associated with antisocial use and discarded firework material in gardens, fields and habitats.

The charity supports a 90 dB noise limit as an interim measure, but stresses that quieter fireworks do not remove the risks posed by flashes, repeated exposure and unpredictable use.

Alongside its call for UK reform, the Scottish SPCA is urging the Scottish Government to set out a clear timetable for public licensing and restrictions on days of supply, and to ensure firework control zones are properly resourced and evaluated.

Nicola added:

“There is a shared responsibility to protect animals, from the decisions governments make to the way celebrations are planned. Owners can take precautions, but they cannot reliably prepare for fireworks when they do not know when or where they will be set off. Wildlife has no one to make those preparations on its behalf.

“We need lasting change that prevents harm, alongside practical support to help people protect animals now.”

Ahead of Bonfire Night, the charity is encouraging owners to seek veterinary advice early if their animal struggles with fireworks, check microchip contact details are up to date and plan a secure, familiar environment where their animal can retreat. People planning celebrations should consider animals nearby and give neighbours advance notice.

The Scottish SPCA is asking supporters to contact their MP in support of a UK-wide ban on private sale and use, and their MSP to seek action on stronger protections in Scotland.

Here are some ways the public can be mindful of animals this Bonfire Night

• Be aware of your surroundings and the effect fireworks can have on wildlife/farmed animals 
• Attend an organised display where possible 
• Be mindful of sparklers and make sure they’re out properly 
• Consult a vet for advice ahead of Bonfire Night if you’re concerned about your animal 
• Make sure your pet is microchipped and information is up to date 
• Stay at home with your pet if possible, to care for them 
• Check in with neighbours so you can make plans for your animal in the case of private/garden displays 

For advice on protecting animals and information on supporting the campaign, visit www.scottishspca.org.