For anyone with a dog, a horse or livestock, fireworks season can be a worry, so here is some welcome news. The government is consulting on new restrictions that would make fireworks quieter and better controlled, and the early signs are being cautiously welcomed by countryside groups.
The consultation looks at a few changes. The headline one for animal owners is a plan to cut the maximum permitted noise of consumer fireworks by at least half. Alongside that, it would make clear that the big multi-shot fireworks are not for general public sale. It targets the loud, disruptive end of things, rather than stopping people from enjoying a responsible display.
It is the noise that does the damage. In the government’s own survey, 91% of people who disliked firework noise pointed to the effect on animals as a reason. Anyone who has sat up with a frightened dog, or settled anxious horses and stock on a November night, knows exactly why. There is a practical side too, with stray fireworks posing a real fire risk to thatch, barns, crops and grazing.
The Countryside Alliance has given the plans a cautious welcome, backing quieter fireworks and clearer rules, while making the sensible point that any measures should stay proportionate and evidence-based. Their key argument is that the real priority is proper enforcement against the illegal and antisocial use that causes most of the trouble, rather than penalising people who use fireworks responsibly. It is a fair, balanced position that most country people would recognise.
This is a live government consultation, open until 7 October 2026, so if you keep animals or have a countryside view, it is worth taking part. Search gov.uk for the fireworks consultation, read what is proposed, and add your response before it closes.
Whatever your view on the night itself, a few quieter evenings would be a relief to a lot of paws and hooves. How does your dog cope with fireworks season? Let us know your tips below.
Based on the government fireworks consultation and the Countryside Alliance response, September 2026.
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