Essex fireworks display cancelled due to 'unreasonable pressure' from local horse sanctuary
A popular fireworks display at an Essex rugby club has been cancelled after a nearby horse sanctuary and the local equine community "urged" the club to consider using low-noise fireworks as it had done the year before. The club had said it would be "back with a bang" this year, saying that after last year's "quieter display" they would be "turning up the volume" at this year's event which was planned for November 3.
But the event has now been cancelled, shortly after Redwings Horse Sanctuary urged them to use low-noise fireworks so as not to disturb the horses living nearby. Horses can die due to loud noises, such as fireworks, and the sanctuary is in close proximity to the rugby club, the sanctuary has said.
Redwings Horse Sanctuary took to social media when the event was first announced, saying: "This is a very disappointing U-turn after the Rugby Club’s low-noise fireworks display last year, and we’re urging them to reconsider their plans, and ‘Keep Horses In Mind’. Two Redwings horses, Redwings’ Vincent and Redwings’ Elsey, live very close to the Rugby Club with their Guardians, and we are deeply concerned about the impact of an event like this on their welfare, as well as the many other horses living in this rural location.
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"Many people might not know that horses die or are injured every year because of fireworks. A staggering 366 horses were recorded to have been killed or injured due to fireworks-related incidents between November 2010 and March 2024, and many more such incidents go unrecorded.
"Tragically, three Redwings ponies have died in recent years as a direct result of fireworks being set off nearby. Cinders, Percy and Sprite all lived at Redwings centres."
The sanctuary then urged the club to consider using low noise fireworks to reduce the risk to animals and people in the area who are distressed by loud noises. It was also suggested that they relocate the display to an area which is not adjacent to so many horses and other animals.
Colchester Rugby Club said: "It is with much regret that due to unreasonable pressure from the local equine community, the Executive Committee of Colchester RFC have taken the decision to cancel the Fireworks Event at Raven park this year. Refunds will be made automatically."
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