Redwings Sanctuary urges public to report nearby fireworks

Redwings Horse Sanctuary has issued a plea ahead of this weekend's firework events after the death of animals in the past. <i>(Image: Newsquest)</i>
Redwings Horse Sanctuary has issued a plea ahead of this weekend's firework events after the death of animals in the past. (Image: Newsquest)
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Bosses at a horse sanctuary have issued a plea to the public ahead of this weekend's firework events following past tragedies.

Redwings Horse Sanctuary, based in Hapton, has warned of the impact loud fireworks can have on its animals.

A spokesman for the sanctuary said: "In the past, Redwings has tragically had to put three rescued residents to sleep due to severe, untreatable injury or illness after they ran in panic when loud fireworks were let off nearby.

"We are not alone in experiencing serious and very distressing incidents involving horses being terrified by fireworks.

"Records show that there have been over 1,300 such incidents since 2021, with at least 28 fatalities."

Redwings is urging supporters to alert them to any planned fireworks displays near their sites to help protect the animals in their care.

With more than 1,500 horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules at its sanctuaries, staff also need time to move animals further from display areas and take other safety precautions.

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