Horse injuries prompt renewed calls for firework bans
Kaitlin Molloy has been bandaging and treating Eleanor's wounds since the horse bolted through two fences onto the road.
A number of firework-related horse injuries are sparking renewed calls to ban public firework displays.
Horse rider Kaitlin Molloy had to deal with a spooked horse on Monday night, when neighbours decided to let off fireworks right next to a paddock where several animals were grazing.
In a post on Facebook, Molloy said the firework sent the horses bolting and one horse, Eleanor, went through the first fence and proceeded to jump the boundary fence onto the road.
The horse galloped some distance down the road before neighbours caught her.
Eleanor was returned to Molloy with several gashes on her legs, which had to be treated and bandaged.
Molloy said she can't believe the horse's injuries aren't worse.
"She must have been terrified to have gone through two fences."
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Auckland SPCA chief executive Andrea Midgen said horses getting out onto the road can put people in danger as well as the animal.
Midgen said the SPCA is working hard to get legislation passed to change the laws around fireworks, but at this stage, it's about people being careful.
"People need to just stop and consider who is being put at risk when they set off fireworks".
In another incident on Tuesday night, a firework scare caused a horse to bolt and flip over a fence at St Heliers Pony Club.
Club vice president Monique Davey said she had been taking down electric fences so that horses couldn't get caught in them if they were to spook from fireworks.
It was around 5pm when she heard the large bang from over the road.
"It was so sudden and so loud it spooked her. She tried to run through the gate, which crumpled. She went head first over the horse gate and flipped over. I thought she had broken her neck."
Mrs Davey was an advocate for the banning of private firework displays, and said the explosives are too readily available.
"This is happening year after year - it isn't just an isolated incident."
Police who attended the accident at St Heliers Pony Club had noticed a temporary fireworks stand nearby, which they reported to Auckland Council as a potential bylaw breach.
Area prevention manager Inspector Gary Davey said he was not aware of any specific complaints to police from horse owners about fireworks , but urged animal owners to take whatever safety and preventative measure they could.
"As we all know fireworks can cause significant harm if not used safely so the best advice we can give to those who use them is to do so safely and considerately."
Massey University veterinary behaviourist Rachael Stratton said horses in particular were unpredictable when spooked, often bolting, jumping over fences, or spiking themselves on posts.
"You name it, they can do it".
A survey conducted by Massey University equine specialists found 90 per cent of New Zealand horse owners oppose the sale of fireworks for personal use.
Mrs Davey said the enjoyment people got from private displays was overwhelmed by the ongoing problems they caused.
"Public displays are far more spectacular than just a bang in the backyard".
The Government considered banning the private use of fireworks at the end of last year after a petition for the change drew more than 26,000 signatures.
The petition also had the backing of the police, fire service and SPCA.
Its creator Charlotte Purdy said she wanted greater restrictions to protect her dog Finlay, and countless other animals, that injured themselves or escaped after being spooked by fireworks.
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