Your voice could help shape the future of fireworks legislation in the UK

The Government has launched a consultation on fireworks, and this is your opportunity to share your experiences and help inform future decisions.

As someone who works with dogs every day, I see first-hand how unpredictable fireworks can affect the nervous system of many animals. But this consultation isn't just about dogs.

It's an opportunity to discuss the wider impact on:

Companion animals

Assistance and service dogs

Livestock

Wildlife

People living with PTSD, autism, sensory differences and other conditions affected by sudden loud noise.

If you choose to respond, I'd encourage you to focus on your lived experience and, where possible, practical, evidence-informed suggestions.

Instead of simply saying "ban fireworks", consider explaining:

• What you've experienced.

• Who has been affected.

• Why unpredictability can be challenging.

• What changes you believe could improve welfare while recognising that celebrations are important to many people.

Every respectful, thoughtful response helps build a stronger picture for those making decisions.

If you feel strongly about the issue, you may also wish to write to your MP after completing the consultation, sharing your own experiences as one of their constituents.

Let's make sure animal welfare, accessibility and compassion are all part of the conversation.

Your Voice Matters: How to Write an Evidence-Based Response to the UK Fireworks Consultation

When consultations are announced, it can be tempting to think, "My response won't make a difference."

The truth is, consultations exist because governments are asking for evidence, experiences and perspectives before making decisions.

Whether you're a dog guardian, an assistance dog handler, a livestock keeper, someone who cares about wildlife, or someone whose own nervous system is affected by sudden loud noises, your experience has value.

Start with your own experience

Rather than trying to speak for everyone, explain what you have personally experienced.

For example:

• How do fireworks affect your dog or other animals?

• Have you noticed changes in behaviour, eating, sleeping or recovery afterwards?

• If you use an assistance dog, has unexpected firework use affected your independence or safety?

• Have you observed impacts on wildlife or livestock?

• Has your own health or wellbeing been affected?

  
  

Specific examples are often far more helpful than broad statements.

Explain why it matters

Think about what happens beyond the few minutes that fireworks are visible.

For many animals, unpredictable loud noises can activate the nervous system's survival responses. Some individuals recover quickly. Others may take hours or even days before returning to their normal routines.

You might describe changes such as:

• reluctance to go outdoors

• increased vigilance

• changes in sleep

• altered appetite

• heightened startle responses

• reduced confidence

• difficulties during training or rehabilitation

  
  

Similarly, people with sensory sensitivities, PTSD or other conditions may also experience significant distress when fireworks occur unexpectedly.

Offer practical suggestions

Consultations are often most useful when people don't only describe problems, but also suggest possible solutions.

You might consider ideas such as:

• restricting the loudest fireworks to professional displays

• reducing maximum permitted noise levels

• improving public awareness

• encouraging organised community displays

• clearer notification of planned displays

• better enforcement of existing legislation

• stronger education around responsible firework use

• 
  

You don't have to support every proposal. Equally, you don't have to oppose fireworks entirely. It's perfectly acceptable to support celebrations while suggesting ways to reduce unnecessary harm.

Be respectful

The strongest consultation responses are usually calm, honest and constructive.

Avoid exaggeration if you can. Instead, explain:

"This is what I experienced."

"This is why it mattered."

"This is what I believe could help."

Consider contacting your MP

After completing the consultation, you may also wish to write to your MP.

MPs are there to represent their constituents, and hearing directly from people living with these experiences helps them understand how legislation affects everyday life.

Every response counts

No single response changes legislation on its own.

However, together, thousands of thoughtful responses help build the evidence that decision-makers rely upon.

Whatever your perspective, if you have lived experience to share, this is your opportunity to be part of the conversation.

At Mutts & Mischief, we're always striving for compassionate, evidence-informed discussions that support both people and animals.

Let's make sure those voices are heard.

Don't have the time or energy to write to your MP from scratch? You don't have to. Copy this template, add your name and postcode, personalise the highlighted section if you want to, and send.

COPY & PASTE LETTER TO YOUR MP

How to use this template:

Copy the letter below, paste it into an email, add your MP's name, your name and postcode. If you have the energy, add one or two sentences about your personal experience. That's it.

You do not need to personalise this letter to take action. If all you have the capacity to do today is copy, paste and send it, that still counts.

Subject line; Fireworks consultation – request for your support

Dear [MP's name],

I am writing to you as one of your constituents regarding the Government's current consultation on fireworks and the potential for future changes to fireworks legislation.

I welcome the opportunity for the public and relevant organisations to contribute to this consultation. I am also writing to ask you, as my Member of Parliament, to consider supporting proportionate measures that could reduce the harm caused by fireworks while allowing people to continue to celebrate and enjoy them responsibly.

The unpredictable and often prolonged use of loud fireworks can have a significant impact on people, companion animals, assistance dogs, livestock and wildlife. For some, the effects can extend well beyond the duration of the fireworks themselves.

[OPTIONAL: Add one or two sentences about your personal experience here. For example: "My dog experiences significant distress during periods of unpredictable fireworks and can take considerable time to recover afterwards."]

I would particularly welcome consideration of measures including:

• Restrictions on the loudest categories of fireworks and consideration of lower-noise alternatives.

• Greater predictability around when fireworks can be used, helping people and animal guardians to prepare.

• Improved notification of organised displays.

• Effective enforcement of existing and any future fireworks legislation.

• Greater public education around the impact of fireworks on people, animals, livestock and wildlife.

I recognise that fireworks are an important part of celebrations for many people. I believe, however, that it is possible to protect those traditions while taking meaningful, evidence-informed steps to reduce avoidable distress and harm.

I will also be contributing to the Government's consultation, and I would be grateful if you could let me know your position on the proposals being considered and whether you would be willing to support measures that improve the welfare and safety of people and animals affected by fireworks.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my concerns and for representing the views of your constituents.

Kind regards,

[Your name]

Accessibility matters to us.

Advocacy shouldn't depend on how much time, energy or executive functioning you have available. We've made this template available to copy and paste directly, with editable and printable versions, so you can choose whichever format works best for you.