SPCA thrilled after Petitions Committee report recommends ban on public sale and use of fireworks

The Committee stated in their report, “Given the evidence we received, we find it difficult to do anything other than recommend a ban on the public sale and private use of fireworks.”

There have been a total of 14 petitions to parliament over the years, but this is the first time that the Committee has recommended a ban. The government now has 60 working days to respond to the committee’s recommendations.

SPCA Chief Scientific Officer Dr Arnja Dale is thrilled with the committee’s report and says the recommendation reflects what animal welfare organisations, veterinarians, NZ Police, FENZ, and thousands of New Zealanders have been demanding for many years.

Dr Dale says SPCA has long advocated for an end to the private sale and use of fireworks due to the significant stress and harm they cause to animals. She says that while fireworks are only sold between 2-5 of November, the ability to stockpile means they can be set off at any time of the year, leaving animal owners unable to predict when or where fireworks will occur.

“This unpredictability makes it extremely difficult for people to take the steps needed to keep their animals safe,” Dr Dale says.

New Zealand research shows that between 46–74.4 per cent of cat and dog owners report their animals show fear of fireworks, and 79 per cent of horse owners say their horses are anxious or very anxious around fireworks.

Dr Dale says these fears can lead to panic, destructive behaviour, injuries and long-term phobias. She adds that while companion animals often receive the most attention, the impact on wildlife is likely even more widespread.

“The timing of Guy Fawkes sales coincides with nesting season for many native bird species, meaning fireworks can have serious long-term population effects,” she says. “We also know that while most harm to animals is unintentional, some wildlife and other animals are deliberately targeted with fireworks, with devastating results.”

Dr Dale says SPCA recognises that fireworks are an important part of celebrations for many communities, including Matariki, Diwali, Chinese New Year and Guy Fawkes.

“We fully support controlled and notified public displays as an alternative to private use,” she says. “These events allow people to celebrate safely while reducing the risk to animals and wildlife.”

SPCA recently commissioned a nationally representative survey to understand New Zealander’s views on fireworks. The results show strong public backing for change: 63 per cent of New Zealand adults support a ban on the private sale and use of fireworks while still allowing professionally run public displays, equivalent to around 2,420,000 adults.

Only 17 per cent oppose a ban. Dr Dale says support spans voters of all political parties, with National voters showing the strongest support at 73 per cent. Support is also particularly high among people aged 55 and over (73 per cent) and women (68 per cent).

The survey also found growing interest in alternative forms of celebration. Forty-eight percent of respondents support drone and/or laser light shows as an alternative to traditional public fireworks displays, and 64 per cent of those who support a ban on private fireworks also support these alternatives. Only 14 per cent oppose their use.

Dr Dale says these findings show New Zealanders are ready for safer, more animal-friendly ways to celebrate.

“The evidence is clear, the public support is strong, and the harms are undeniable,” she says.

“A ban on the private sale and use of fireworks is the right step to protect animals, and communities across Aotearoa.”