Two horse owners who lost their beloved animals to fireworks-related injuries are “disgusted” and “outraged” that the Government will not ban public sales of fireworks.

Horses Rocky and Remi both suffered severe leg injuries in separate incidents after bolting through fences when fireworks were let off during Guy Fawkes two years ago.

Both horses had to be euthanised.

Parliament’s Petitions Committee received three petitions with almost 100,000 signatures in support of a fireworks sales ban.

In May, it recommended the ban based on concerns regarding the impact on animal welfare and native wildlife, danger to life and property, and the number of related police callouts.

The Government decided on July 29 to retain the “status quo”, Environment Minister Nicola Grigg said.

Chris Rugaas, Rocky’s owner, said she was “shocked and outraged” by the Government’s decision.

“It’s just unbelievable.”

Rocky had to be put down after being injured in a fireworks-related incident in November 2024.

Rocky, Rugaas’ 17-year-old breeding stallion, was euthanised in November 2024 after he was found in a paddock with severe cuts and both back legs covered in blood.

One leg was “slashed down to the bone” when Rocky bolted in panic through a wire fence.

Rugaas said she was “devastated” that her pleas and those of thousands of people who signed petitions had not been heard.

“Every year, fireworks cause huge harm to animals, people and property, and it doesn’t just stop after Guy Fawkes night. It goes on all year round.”

Waitao resident Donna Matheson lost her beloved horse Remi after fireworks were set off near her Papamoa Hills property on November 5, 2024.

The 14-year-old mare bolted through a wire fence and ran off down the road. Her right back foot was “ripped completely off” and was found by a neighbour the next day.

Matheson said she was “stunned” the Government had rejected what she considered overwhelming evidence in favour of a ban.

Waitao resident Donna Matheson with Remi, who died from fireworks-related injuries. Photo / Donna Matheson

“It’s just bizarre. I’m disgusted that this Government refuses to listen to the experts and all those who have suffered devastating losses.

“I’ve never got over the loss of Remi. Her death and the death of other animals must mean something. Is it going to take a child dying before common sense prevails?”

Nadeen Mitchell, a close friend of Matheson, launched the NZ Fireworks Impact Database in 2025, a website that enabled people to log incidents of fireworks-related harm.

Mitchell said 361 incidents had been logged, including the deaths of five horses, 11 dogs and three cats, as well as numerous missing cats and dogs.

There were also 36 cases of residential property damage.

“We have also received reports of severe injury to people, including a boy losing a thumb and finger and another who was blinded in one eye.”

Mitchell said she was “saddened” but also unsurprised by the Government’s decision, and it would influence her vote come the election.

Grigg said the Government acknowledged concerns petitioners had raised and harms associated with fireworks use, including impacts on animals, people, and property.

“Retaining the status quo remains a proportionate response that balances the need to manage harm with maintaining individual choice.

Minister for the Environment Nicola Grigg.

“The current regulatory framework continues to provide controls at the point of sale and ways to address misuse, while allowing the Government to monitor whether further change is required. ”

Grigg said current regulations on retail sale of fireworks include public sales being restricted to November 2 to 5, and purchasers must be at least 18 years old.

She said importers and retailers were regulated, and there were limits applied to the level of noise and explosive content of fireworks.

“Fireworks must be certified and meet packaging and safety requirements before they can be sold.”

Sandra Conchie is a senior journalist at the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post who has been a journalist for 25 years. She mainly covers police, court and other justice stories, as well as general news. She has been a Canon Media Awards regional/community reporter of the year.