Christchurch woman calls for stricter firework regulations

 Love them or hate them, each year around fireworks night, thousands buy loud, dazzling explosives with few restrictions on who can access them.

 But for pet owners like Esme Sothcott from Christchurch, the impact of fireworks can be relentless.

Esme said: "My horses are my whole world, and watching them endure this level of stress, completely helpless, has left me distraught and disgusted.

"It's not only horses, but dogs, wild animals and people with PTSD or dementia."

 In a video posted to social media, Esme filmed her horses frantically pacing back and forth and bucking.

She said: "In the video, you can see my friend, a 16-month-old, trying to run through the fence.

"That was his reaction despite being heavily sedated."

For horses, fireworks can have fatal consequences due to the impact the stress has on their gut system.

Adding: "I know people whose horses have experienced colic, which is where they get a block in their gut as a result of stress.

"Colic is one of the leading causes of death in horses because they go down and then they can't get up."

Esme believes there should be greater regulations on the sale of fireworks.

She said: "In an ideal world, there would be a few main displays in each area that would have completed the correct permits and risk assessments.

"They definitely should not be allowed to be let off near livestock."

A petition calling for a review of fireworks regulations, set up in 2018 has recently surpassed 1 million signatures and will be considered in parliament.

The campaign, set up by Julie Doorne, is backed by the RSPCA and calls for a reduction in the maximum noise level.

Esme suggested people implement low noise fireworks, which are a type of firework designed to reduce the loud bangs and explosive sounds while still providing a visual spectacle.

She said: "A few quieter fireworks were set off and I noticed such a difference in the horses reactions."