KindSparks – A New RSPCA Fireworks Campaign
16th October 2024 Posted in Community News
Research ahead of this year’s fireworks season shows 14 million Brits plan private displays at home. Unfortunately, these backyard displays cause the most disruption due to their frequency and unpredictability.
In 2023 alone, the RSPCA received over 1,200 reports of animals affected by fireworks, with 67% due to backyard displays. Neighbourly tensions also rise during this period, and more than half (55%) of UK pet owners dread the season. Many feel awkward or reluctant to speak up, with 30% feeling isolated by the issue.
What are we doing to support communities to be kinder?
We believe that by working together, we can reduce the negative impact of fireworks on animals and vulnerable people. Fireworks, while joyful for many, can terrify animals, putting them at risk of injury, and cause distress for people, including children, those with PTSD, and those with autism.
That’s why we’ve created the Kind Sparks guide, designed to help the public better understand the struggles of those affected by fireworks, and we’ve teamed up with NextDoor to provide a platform for people to raise concerns and advocate for positive change.
Classical music has been shown to have a calming effect on animals, which is why we’re delighted to continue our partnership with Classic FM in 2024. This year, they will once again help raise awareness about the impact of fireworks on pets and their owners by airing two special Pet Classics shows.
Encourage your constituents to tune in to Pet Classics with Dan Walker on Saturday 2nd November, and Charlotte Hawkins on Tuesday 5th November, from 5 to 9pm to help soothe your pets during fireworks season.
To further our engagement with the general public, we’re also really excited to launch an interactive online tool, allowing the public to see how fireworks affect animals in their area by entering a postcode and viewing local noise levels.
What changes are we seeking?
We’re urging the UK Government to lower the maximum decibel level of fireworks, restrict sales to licensed shops, and establish “firework-free zones.” We also encourage councils to share best practices and take steps to safeguard both people and animals by implementing policies to limit loud fireworks on council-owned land.
How can we work together to protect all animals and vulnerable people?
Raise awareness using our Kind Sparks Communications Toolkit and Guide. Attached is our social media guide and view our Kind Sparks Communications Toolkit for downloadable social assets.
If your council hosts public displays, ensure they are well-publicised and consider modern alternatives like Chelmsford’s “Rocket O’Clock.”
Promote our partnership with Classic FM, which will air special shows on 4th and 5th November to help ease animal stress.
Support our Notice of Model Motion and #KindSparks campaign to urge the UK Government to legislate for better protections from fireworks.