Vets push to end private fireworks sales in favour of displays
Pets, livestock, foaling mares and nesting wildlife all suffer when fireworks go off without warning.
|November 3, 2026Listen to the full interview:
The New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) wants private fireworks sales to end, with fireworks kept for professional displays.
NZVA head of veterinary services, companion animal Dr Felicity Jefferies says fireworks affect pets, livestock, horses in foaling season and wildlife in nesting season. “People still need to have fun and be able to enjoy these things, but just in a way that lowers the risk for animals,” she says.
She says Parliament’s petitions committee recommended a public sales ban in July, but the Government didn’t pursue it.
Because people set fireworks off at any time, she says horse owners can’t prepare.
She says research puts the share of animals physically injured at 2% to 25%, not counting fear and anxiety.
She says owners should check microchip details are up to date.
To learn more, visit nzva.org.nz
To learn more, visit nzva.org.nz/for-the-public/fireworks-safety
Watch the full interview:
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