Horse and donkey owners’ perspectives on fireworks and their impact on equids in the UK.
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.
© The Author(s) 2026.
Publication Date: 2026-02-05 PubMed ID: 41695660PubMed Central: PMC12895199DOI: 10.1017/awf.2026.10068Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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Overview
- This research explores how fireworks affect horses and donkeys in the UK by surveying owners about their animals’ reactions, the strategies used to ease distress, and opinions on firework regulations.
Background and Purpose
- Fireworks are widely used during various celebrations in the UK, such as Bonfire Night and New Year’s Eve.
- Previous studies have documented the negative impact of fireworks on domestic pets, but there has been limited research focusing specifically on equids (horses and donkeys).
- The study aims to fill this gap by collecting data from owners regarding their animals’ behavior during firework events, methods used to mitigate negative effects, and owners’ attitudes toward fireworks use and regulation.
Methodology
- An online survey was designed and distributed to horse and donkey owners across the UK.
- Total respondents included 1,234 horse owners and 232 donkey owners.
- The survey collected information about:
- Perceived fear and behavioral responses of horses and donkeys to fireworks.
- Mitigation techniques owners employed to protect their animals.
- Owner opinions on potential firework regulations to help reduce negative impacts.
Key Findings
- Owner perspectives on regulation:
- 77% of respondents supported stricter regulations regarding fireworks, suggesting lower noise levels and controlled usage times.
- Fear and behavior differences:
- Horses were perceived to be more fearful than donkeys during fireworks.
- Common fear responses in horses included running, kicking, bucking, and rearing.
- Horses involved in hunting and sports activities were reported as less fearful, possibly due to habituation or training.
- Donkeys showed fewer severe fear behaviors, which may be linked to species-specific reactions (flight/freeze responses).
- Injury reports:
- Approximately 8% of horse owners reported injuries related to fireworks.
- Only one injury was reported among donkeys, indicating fewer or less severe incidents.
- Mitigation strategies:
- Common methods included:
- Stabling the animals indoors to limit their exposure to fireworks.
- Owners staying with their animals to provide reassurance and reduce anxiety.
- Moving animals to different premises perceived as safer.
- Playing music to mask the noise of fireworks.
- Owners generally considered these strategies effective but noted that they do not fully prevent injury.
- Mitigation requires advance notice about fireworks to prepare and protect animals properly.
- Common methods included:
Implications and Conclusions
- Fireworks pose a significant welfare and safety risk to horses, as evidenced by behavioral issues and injury rates.
- Donkeys appeared less reactive and less frequently injured, potentially due to different innate fear responses compared to horses.
- While owner-applied mitigation techniques help reduce negative impacts, they cannot guarantee complete safety and depend heavily on forewarning.
- The strong support by owners for regulatory changes highlights a need for policy intervention to limit firework noise and restrict usage times.
- Further awareness and education could improve animal welfare outcomes during firework events by encouraging responsible firework practices and preparedness among equid owners.
Cite This Article
APA
Gerow SL, Clegg SR, Cooke AS.
(2026).
Horse and donkey owners’ perspectives on fireworks and their impact on equids in the UK.
Anim Welf, 35, e11.
https://doi.org/10.1017/awf.2026.10068 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- School of Natural Sciences, Department of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Joseph Banks Laboratories, Beevor Street, Lincoln, LN6 7DL.
- School of Natural Sciences, Department of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Joseph Banks Laboratories, Beevor Street, Lincoln, LN6 7DL.
- School of Natural Sciences, Department of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Joseph Banks Laboratories, Beevor Street, Lincoln, LN6 7DL.
Conflict of Interest Statement
None.
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