The loudest fireworks can turn a celebration into a night of fear for animals. When the sky erupts without warning, the world around them no longer feels safe, and their instinct to escape the noise can carry them straight into danger.
Now, the UK government is considering whether celebrations can keep their color while shedding some of the noise that frightens animals most. The government has opened a 12-week public consultation, a formal process for gathering evidence and public feedback before officials decide whether and how to change the regulations. One proposal would lower the maximum permitted noise level for consumer fireworks from 120 to 110 decibels, measured at the required safety distance for each category. The change would cut perceived loudness by approximately half and affect around one-third of the fireworks products currently available to consumers, officials estimate.
Fireworks would not disappear under the proposal, and organized displays could continue. The difference would be who could use the loudest products. Fireworks above the new limit would be reserved for professional users, while the public could still choose from lower-noise options. The consultation also asks whether the limit should fall even further, to 100 or 90 decibels.
A quieter sky could mean a safer night for animals. Sudden fireworks can startle animals into a flight response that may end in injury or death, the consultation warns. Concern for animals came through clearly in government polling. When respondents were asked what they disliked about fireworks noise, 91 percent cited its effects on animals.
For horses, the consequences can be heartbreaking. Three rescued horses at a UK sanctuary died because of loud fireworks, GB News reported. Thousands of people who care for horses have voiced the same concern. More than 95% of the over 5,000 UK horse guardians surveyed wanted tighter fireworks rules, and they identified loud bangs as the greatest risk.
The fear reaches animals in homes, on farms, and in the wild. Some hide until the noise passes. Others run in panic, searching for safety as one thunderous blast follows another.
Advance notice is one reason professional displays would be treated differently. These events are normally publicized and far less likely to happen illegally or during unsociable hours, officials say. That can give guardians more time to prepare and help animals feel safer before the first blast.
The consultation remains open until October 7, 2026, and the government welcomes responses from any interested party. People can respond online and tell officials how fireworks affect animals and why lower-noise celebrations matter.
Celebrations can still fill the sky with color without filling animals with fear. Lower-noise displays can keep the wonder in the night without turning a celebration into terror for animals.
