Vets continue call for ban on fireworks sales
MEDIA RELEASE
Published on 28 October 2025.
The New Zealand Veterinary Association Te Pae Kīrehe (NZVA) is continuing to advocate for a ban on public sale of fireworks coupled with licenced-only public displays to help address risks that fireworks pose to animals.
“Every year, veterinary teams see animals injured and traumatised by fireworks, including pets, wildlife, horses and stock. Some injuries are horrific and tragically can lead to animals having to be euthanised,” says Kevin Bryant, Chief Executive of the NZVA.
The NZVA is one of many organisations advocating for a ban on public sale of fireworks and last year joined more than 21,000 New Zealanders in a petition by Animates Vetcare NZ calling on the House of Representatives to do so. The petition was presented to the select committee in May this year and the NZVA has made a submission on it, on behalf of its members.
“Our society has a responsibility to minimise physical and mental harm to animals, including harm caused by fireworks.
“As veterinarians, our members support an outright ban on public sales of fireworks, coupled with licensed, professionally managed public displays that everyone can enjoy safely and in a way that looks out for our pets, livestock and wildlife.
“We also want to see government establish consistent national reporting on all fireworks-related incidents to support evidence-based policy.
“The NZVA will continue to advocate for this and until then we encourage people to avoid buying and setting fireworks off.”
NZVA Head of Veterinary Services (Companion Animals) Sally Cory says small animals, particularly cats and dogs, have much more sensitive hearing than humans and will often try to flee during fireworks, resulting in an increased risk of injury and trauma.
“Around the time of Guy Fawkes, veterinarians tend to see cats that develop stress cystitis in response to the noise, which is a painful and distressing condition, usually requiring prompt veterinary intervention,” she says.
“We also see direct injuries from fireworks, anxiety issues, and stress can exacerbate heart or respiratory issues for pets with pre-existing conditions.”
NZVA Head of Veterinary Services (Large Animals) Cristin Dwyer says the unpredictability of loud fireworks is a significant challenge given people can stockpile them and set them off outside of Guy Fawkes night.
“Animal owners often feel helpless because they may not have a choice or be given enough warning to move their animals to a safe place,” she says.
Fireworks have a significant impact on livestock animals, especially horses. People planning to set them off should consider their surroundings, discuss plans with their neighbours and be prepared to stop if someone indicates their animals are distressed.
The NZVA also encourages people to share stories of fireworks-related incidents on the Fireworks Impact Data survey, a community initiative designed to gather data on harm caused by fireworks.
Sally advises pet owners to ensure companion animals are microchipped, registered and kept safely indoors during fireworks displays.
“It's important that owners are well prepared and pets have a safe place to hide that is away from loud noises and flashing lights. It’s obviously difficult to plan for the unexpected, but for some pets with noise phobias and anxiety, owners could consider using calming medications. These need to be administered prior to the event under your vet’s advice.”
Cristin says that while fireworks are being set off, lifestyle and farm animals should be kept in a well fenced and secure location wherever possible.
“Horses should be kept in secure stables if they are used to this and are settled when confined. If not, make sure they are in a safe location where they feel most comfortable. All animals should be checked on regularly.”
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