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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2016; 6(3); 20; doi: 10.3390/ani6030020

The Management of Horses during Fireworks in New Zealand.

Abstract: Within popular press there has been much coverage of the negative effects associated with firework and horses. The effect of fireworks has been documented in companion animals, yet no studies have investigated the negative effects, or otherwise, of fireworks on horses. This study aims to document horse responses and current management strategies to fireworks via an online survey. Of the total number of horses, 39% (1987/4765) were rated as "anxious", 40% (1816/4765) "very anxious" and only 21% (965/4765) rated as "not anxious" around fireworks. Running (82%, 912/1107) was the most common behaviour reported, with no difference between property type (p > 0.05) or location (p > 0.05). Possibly as a consequence of the high frequency of running, 35% (384/1107) of respondents reported having horses break through fences in response to fireworks and a quarter (26%, 289/1099) reported that their horse(s) had received injuries associated with fireworks. The most common management strategy was moving their horse(s) to a paddock away from the fireworks (77%) and to stable/yard them (55%). However, approximately 30% reported these management strategies to be ineffective. Of the survey participants, 90% (996/1104) were against the sale of fireworks for private use.
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Publication Date: 2016-03-09 PubMed ID: 27005667PubMed Central: PMC4810048DOI: 10.3390/ani6030020Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This study investigates the impact of fireworks on horses’ behavior and strategies used by horse owners in New Zealand to manage their horses during fireworks. The research found a majority of horses become very anxious during fireworks, with running being the common reaction, indicating the potential risk of them getting injured or breaking fences. Despite different management strategies, owners reported a significant failure rate, raising concerns about the widespread sale of fireworks for private use.

Horse Responses to Fireworks

  • The study found that fireworks induce a significant level of anxiety in horses. Out of all the horses studied, 39% were rated as “anxious”, 40% “very anxious” and only 21% were rated as “not anxious” around fireworks.
  • The most common behavior exhibited by horses in response to fireworks was running, reported in 82% of the cases. The study found no significant difference in this behaviour pattern based on the property type or location.
  • The running behavior potentially led to 35% of horses breaking through fences, indicating a high level of distress and panic during firework events. Additionally, about 26% of horse owners reported injuries to their horses associated with fireworks, suggesting potential harm caused due to the panicked and erratic movement.

Management Strategies and Effectiveness

  • Horse owners employ various strategies to manage their horses during fireworks. About 77% of horse owners move their horses to a paddock farther away from the fireworks, and 55% prefer to stable/yard them.
  • However, these management strategies were found to be ineffective in approximately 30% of cases, indicating a need for better practices and possibly stricter regulations related to firework displays near animal habitation.

Owners’ Views on Fireworks Sale

  • Given the anxiety observed in horses and the potential risk of injuries, a substantial 90% of the survey participants were against the sale of fireworks for private use.

This research underlines the need for better policies regarding the usage of fireworks, considering the distress and potential danger they pose to horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Gronqvist G, Rogers C, Gee E. (2016). The Management of Horses during Fireworks in New Zealand. Animals (Basel), 6(3), 20. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani6030020

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 6
Issue: 3
PII: 20

Researcher Affiliations

Gronqvist, Gabriella
  • Massey Equine, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand. G.Gronqvist@massey.ac.nz.
Rogers, Chris
  • Massey Equine, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand. c.w.rogers@massey.ac.nz.
Gee, Erica
  • Massey Equine, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand. e.k.gee@massey.ac.nz.

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Citations

This article has been cited 9 times.
  1. Olczak K, Penar W, Nowicki J, Magiera A, Klocek C. The Role of Sound in Livestock Farming-Selected Aspects. Animals (Basel) 2023 Jul 14;13(14).
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  2. Wascher CAF, Arnold W, Kotrschal K. Effects of severe anthropogenic disturbance on the heart rate and body temperature in free-living greylag geese (Anser anser). Conserv Physiol 2022;10(1):coac050.
    doi: 10.1093/conphys/coac050pubmed: 36033970google scholar: lookup
  3. Riva MG, Dai F, Huhtinen M, Minero M, Barbieri S, Dalla Costa E. The Impact of Noise Anxiety on Behavior and Welfare of Horses from UK and US Owner's Perspective. Animals (Basel) 2022 May 21;12(10).
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