Dogs Trust urges government to introduce licensing regime for fireworks events to protect animal welfare

Dogs Trust has renewed its call for tighter controls on fireworks events, urging the UK government to introduce a mandatory licensing regime that would limit displays to specific times of year and require local authorities to consider animal welfare before granting approvals.

Every year, thousands of dogs across the UK suffer severe distress due to the unpredictable noise of fireworks. The charity warns that the current lack of regulation allows fireworks to be set off at any time, leaving pet owners unable to prepare and dogs vulnerable to anxiety, behavioural issues, and even physical harm.

In its ongoing campaign, Dogs Trust is advocating for three key legislative changes:

• Fireworks to be restricted to licensed, public events held only at designated times of year such as Bonfire Night and New Year’s Eve.
• Local authorities to assess animal welfare impacts before issuing event licences.
• Noise level limits to be reduced to 74 decibels, significantly lower than current thresholds, to lessen the impact on pets and wildlife.

The charity has already seen success in Glasgow, where a Firework Control Zone was established near its rehoming centre, protecting over 60 dogs from seasonal distress. However, Dogs Trust says broader legislative reform is urgently needed to extend these protections nationwide.

“Dogs thrive on routine and predictability,” the campaign states. “The constant threat of sudden, loud explosions leaves dogs and their owners dreading weeks of anxiety and disruption.”

To support the campaign, Dogs Trust is encouraging members of the public to write to their MPs, calling for a review of existing fireworks legislation and the introduction of sensible safeguards. The charity has provided a template letter on its website to make the process quick and accessible.

The charity believes that a licensing regime would strike a balance between public celebration and animal welfare, making fireworks events more predictable and less harmful for pets across the UK.