Animal welfare advocates are renewing calls for a ban on the private sale and use of fireworks, warning Guy Fawkes celebrations can have lasting impacts on pets, livestock, wildlife and the wider community across Bay of Plenty and Rotorua.

The SPCA is urging New Zealanders to support a joint open letter to the incoming Government calling for an end to consumer fireworks sales, while Fire and Emergency New Zealand and MetService have also issued safety warnings ahead of this Thursday, November 5, Guy Fawkes Day.

The issue carries particular relevance in the region, where Tauranga and Rotorua councils have introduced restrictions on where fireworks can be set off and animal welfare groups report annual concerns about frightened pets and livestock.

SPCA senior scientific officer Dr Alison Vaughan said fireworks remained a significant welfare issue because of the unpredictable noise and flashes they created.

“Fireworks can be incredibly frightening for animals because the loud bangs and flashes are sudden and unpredictable,” Vaughan said.

“Animals may panic, try to escape, go missing or injure themselves while fleeing, and some can experience ongoing anxiety long after the fireworks have stopped.”

SPCA senior scientific officer Dr Alison Vaughan. Photo / Alyse Wright

She said the issue extended well beyond Guy Fawkes night because fireworks could be stockpiled and used throughout the year.

“That makes it extremely difficult for animal owners to predict when they need to take precautions.”

Vaughan said the impacts were not limited to household pets.

“It is important to remember this isn’t just a companion animal issue. Horses, farmed animals and birds can all be affected.

“Guy Fawkes also falls during nesting season for many of our native bird species, so the impacts can extend well beyond the animals in our homes.”

The organisation pointed to research showing between 46% and 74.4% of cat and dog owners reported their animals were fearful of fireworks, while 79% of horse owners said their horses became anxious or very anxious around displays.

Fear responses can range from hiding and trembling to destructive behaviour and attempts to escape.

In Tauranga, the SPCA’s local centre typically sees an increase in lost dogs around Guy Fawkes as frightened animals flee properties during fireworks displays.

Vaughan said even well-contained animals could become so frightened that they found ways to escape.

“Fireworks can cause such intense fear that even dogs who are normally safely contained may panic and find a way to escape, including jumping fences they wouldn’t ordinarily attempt.”

Different rules across the region

The debate comes as Tauranga and Rotorua residents prepare for Guy Fawkes under different local restrictions.

Tauranga City Council’s updated Street Use and Public Places Bylaw came into force on October 1, prohibiting people from lighting fireworks in council-managed public places, including parks, reserves, beaches, dunes, roads and footpaths. Fireworks can still be used on private property, subject to national regulations.

In Rotorua, fireworks are permitted on private property with permission, but are prohibited on council parks, reserves, sports fields, carparks, forests and conservation areas.

Both councils continue to encourage residents to act responsibly and be considerate of neighbours, animals and the environment.

Fire concerns remain

Alongside concerns about animal welfare, authorities are warning of growing fire risks.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand community readiness and recovery acting national manager Tom Ronaldson said people planning to use fireworks should prioritise calm conditions and clear spaces.

“Several large fires in recent weeks have already shown how easily fires can start and spread in windy conditions,” Ronaldson said.

“Over the past decade, there have been on average 160 firework-related fires each year, with the number rising in the last two years.”

Firefighters are asking people to think before lighting off fireworks amid dry conditions around the region. Photo / NZME

With parts of the country starting to see warmer and drier conditions associated with El Niño weather patterns, Ronaldson said it was particularly important that people take care if they planned to use fireworks.

SPCA data highlight a similar trend, with fires caused by retail fireworks increasing from 67 in 2022 to 106 in 2023, before rising to 166 in 2024.

Vaughan said the risk to wildlife and habitats was becoming an increasing concern.

“Fires can have devastating consequences for communities, wildlife and the habitats animals depend on.”

Fire and Emergency is encouraging people to check local fire restrictions before lighting fireworks, avoid using them in windy conditions, keep water readily available and ensure fireworks are directed safely away from buildings and vegetation.

Weather outlook

MetService said Bay of Plenty and Rotorua were expected to experience cloudy periods with a few showers, mainly later in the evening on November 5.

Forecasters said dry conditions and gusty winds remained the main concern for fire crews in some areas despite the chance of isolated showers.

“Dry conditions and gusty winds will be the main concern for fire crews.

“The models have been fairly consistent with the cloud and showers, although areas like coastal Bay of Plenty have been lessening on the showers with each new model run.”