Is your fun worth their fear? Sign SPCA’s open letter to end the private sale and use of fireworks

For many people, fireworks mean celebration. But for animals, sudden unpredictable noise can result in fear, distress, or injury. And because fireworks can be stockpiled and used at any time of the year, the impact extends well beyond Guy Fawkes.

This year, SPCA is asking everyone to help bring about change by signing an open letter to the incoming government calling for a ban on the private sale and use of fireworks.

An independent Horizon poll commissioned by SPCA in February found that 63% of New Zealand adults support banning the private sale and use of fireworks while retaining professionally run public displays. That equates to approximately 2.42 million adults.

"A further 20% were either unsure or neither supported nor opposed a ban – through education around the impacts of fireworks on animals, we want to move this group towards supporting a law change," says SPCA Chief Scientific Officer, Dr Arnja Dale.

"Every year, thousands of domestic, farm and wild animals experience harm. The impacts can include injury and displacement and can affect animals wherever they are, from our homes and farms to natural habitats," says Dr Dale.

SPCA says successive governments have missed an opportunity to ban the private sale of fireworks and urges the incoming government to act.

"New Zealanders have been calling for stronger restrictions on fireworks for many years. This is not a new topic, but a change well overdue," says Dr Dale.

“With 85% of pet owners wanting a ban, there is a clear mandate for action.”

"We know many people enjoy community celebrations and professionally managed, notified public displays. Alternative options such as laser and light shows are also becoming increasingly popular across the country and provide a safer, more inclusive experience, including for people with pets."

We can encourage this long-overdue change by signing SPCA's open letter.

SPCA has also created free downloadable posters for people to display from their homes or businesses calling for an end to the private sale and use of fireworks - which can be downloaded from our site.