Vet association supports petition to ban public sale of fireworks

MEDIA RELEASE
Published on 3 June 2025.

The New Zealand Veterinary Association Te Pae Kīrehe (NZVA) supports the petition to ban the public sale of fireworks that is expected to be presented to Parliament today.

“Fireworks can cause fear, stress and anxiety in pets, livestock, zoo animals and wildlife. They can also cause physical injuries if an animal is too close when the fireworks are lit, or if they get spooked and try to run away,” says NZVA Head of Veterinary Services (Companion Animals) Sally Cory.

Every year, veterinarians are called to see horses that have been badly injured by panicking and running through fences, attempting to jump out of paddocks, or have run on to roads, endangering themselves and motorists. Cats and dogs often get anxious and try to flee when fireworks are going off. As a result many each year are injured. Large animals in general suffer from fear and stress related to fireworks and the impact of fireworks on wildlife is also a recognised issue.

With these concerns in mind, the NZVA supports the petition by Animates Vetcare NZ calling on our House of Representatives to ban the sale of fireworks to the New Zealand public.

For more information, read the NZVA position statement.