Ban fireworks for horses' sake, says trust

CONCERN: Ros Rowe from the Leg-Up Trust says fireworks continue to traumatise horses on the trust's property. PHOTO/ FILE

Leg-Up Trust co-ordinator Ros Rowe is calling for a ban on private fireworks after spending Thursday night in the cold with her fraught horses at the trust's Bridge Pa property.

In a letter to sent to Hawke's Bay Today Mrs Rowe said she expects to have several nights the same as she tries to keep horses and ponies calm amid the booms and bangs of the fireworks season.

Mrs Rowe said pet and large animal owners grit their teeth as they "prepare for the madness that is Guy Fawkes." "Stay safe, shut your pets inside, is the advice glibly given," she wrote.

"As if that will solve any problems with explosives in the hands of fools."

"Some of the fireworks are ear-splittingly loud and one wonders why they were ever permitted. No wonder horses die every year from injuries incurred by the actions of people entertaining themselves with simulated warfare.

"No doubt some of the adults letting off these things have children who benefit from the therapy offered by our much-loved horses, and from where I'm sitting, cold and anxious in the paddock as I soothe worried horses, it feels a little like the hand that feeds their kids is being bitten."

The same is happening in Central Hawke's Bay, where Waipukurau racehorse trainer Kirsty Lawrence has an addition to her Pukeora stables after rescuing a panicking horse from Waipawa during Guy Fawkes night.

Both are concerned that while fireworks were on sale for just four days, from Monday to Thursday, they can be used at any time, either during an extended fireworks season or by hoarding for use on New Year's Eve or other celebrations.

Racehorse trainer Mrs Lawrence who now has about 25 horses on her property, including two set to race in Hastings tomorrow, said she's not against fireworks but wishes users would take more care in the vicinity of animals.

"The bangs seemed louder this year," she said, "and in between all you could hear was animals, dogs barking, and the horses," she said.

She prefers organised public events, such as the Hawke's Bay Speedway club's annual display at Meeanee tonight.

Emergency services in Hawke's Bay had few problems on Guy Fawkes night but also expect fireworks activity to continue.