Horse and donkey owners’ perspectives on fireworks and their impact on equids in the UK

TL;DR

This study explores how fireworks affect horses and donkeys in the UK and how owners try to reduce the stress and harm caused by fireworks.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into the specific impacts of fireworks on equids and owner mitigation strategies in the UK.

Findings

Most owners want stricter fireworks regulations, including noise and timing controls.

Horses showed more fear responses to fireworks than donkeys, with running and rearing being common.

Stabling and staying with the animal were effective mitigation strategies, but require prior warning.

Abstract

In the UK, fireworks are common during several celebratory events throughout the year. Previous evidence has shown the adverse effects of fireworks on domestic companion animals. However, there has been little focus on equids. An online survey was developed to understand the impact of fireworks on horses and donkeys, how owners attempt to mitigate these impacts, and the owners’ views on fireworks. A total of 1,234 horse owners and 232 donkey owners responded. The majority (77%) advocated tighter regulations surrounding the use of fireworks, including reduction in the maximum noise produced, and control over when fireworks were used. Horse owners typically perceived their animals to be more fearful of fireworks than donkey owners, with running, kicking, bucking and rearing, being the most reported responses. However, horses used for hunting and sport were perceived as being less fearful. Eight percent of horse owners reported injury due to fireworks compared to donkeys, with only one report of injury. Stabling, staying with the animal, moving the animal to different premises, and music, were common mitigation strategies, all of which were rated as effective by owners. Owner concern and horse injury rates highlight fireworks as a potential threat to horse welfare and safety. Whilst owner mitigation strategies can be effective, they are limited in their ability to completely prevent injury and, importantly, require suitable forewarning. Differences between horses and donkeys are potentially due to different fear responses, with horses more likely to exhibit flight or fright responses, and donkeys flight or freeze.

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