Posted: 28th October 2024 | Back to news feed
Redwings launches new fireworks campaign and asks people to contact their MP ahead of awareness-raising event at Westminster.
Redwings is launching a new campaign to better protect horses, ponies, donkeys and mules from the fear, injury, illness and worse that fireworks can cause.
The horse welfare charity, which is one of the biggest in the UK, is asking people to ‘Keep Horses in Mind’ when they’re deciding whether to use fireworks and choosing which type – with quiet or silent fireworks now more available than ever before.
Redwings has been campaigning to raise awareness on the issue for over ten years with increased commitment after three horses in the charity’s care died because of the effects of fireworks. Last year they released distressing footage of some of their horses reacting to fireworks being let off near one of their centres.
Earlier this year (Wednesday 27 March), the charity hosted a roundtable discussion to explore the viability of using the Animal Welfare Act as a means of holding individuals to account in cases where fireworks are believed to have inadvertently led to the injury or death of an animal, and produced a ground-breaking report on the Animal Welfare Act and fireworks here (PDF 652 KB).
Now, as the first action of their new campaign, Redwings is co-hosting an awareness-raising drop-in event for MPs in Westminster on Wednesday 30th October, alongside other members of the Fireworks Working Group, and is urging people to contact their MP to ask them to attend. Redwings Campaigns and Policy Manager Helen Whitelegg said: “We’re inviting MPs to join us to discuss much-needed improvement to regulations.
“The event will highlight the adverse impact of fireworks not only on horses, but also on other animals, people, wildlife and the environment, with the aim of raising awareness amongst those who have the power to bring about change.
“Please contact your local MP and ask them to come along. You can find your MP's contact details here.”
The MP drop-in event will take place in Room S, Portcullis House, between 2pm - 3.30pm on Wednesday 30th October.
Helen added: “We are planning lots more actions as part of the campaign and will have some new resources to share too, so please do get involved and help us achieve overdue change.”
For more information go to Redwings fireworks webpage here and follow Redwings’ social media channels to lend your support.
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