Panda cub Roxie choked on her own vomit at the zoo on the so-called Guy Fawkes night on 5 November. The annual celebration marks the failed attempt by a gang led by Fawkes to kill King James in 1605.
– Roxie had recently lost her mum Ginger, but responded well to specialist help from our experts and was fed on her own. It’s very sad, but she choked on her own vomit on Guy Fawkes night, and our vets believe this was probably a reaction to the fireworks, says deputy head Ben Supple of the animal welfare organization Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), which owns the zoo .
Supple is calling on the Scottish Government and UK central government to tighten guidelines on the use of fireworks, and he is advocating a ban on sales to the general public.
– Fireworks can cause fear and stress for pets, livestock and animals in zoos, so it is vital that the British and Scottish governments tighten the restrictions on their use and sale, he says.
Scottish Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown says that fireworks are very stressful for animals and that the death is sad. But it is the government in London that has the opportunity to do something about it, she says and adds that she has asked for a meeting to discuss the matter.
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Should there be a complete ban on the public sale of fireworks to protect animals, as suggested by Ben Supple?
**Interview with Ben Supple, Deputy Head of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Ben. Roxie’s tragic incident has shocked many. Can you tell us more about how the fireworks are believed to have contributed to her death?
**Ben Supple:** Absolutely. Roxie had recently lost her mother, which was already a stressful time for her. On Guy Fawkes night, the loud sounds from the fireworks likely caused her significant distress, leading to her choking on her own vomit. It’s a heartbreaking situation that underscores the impact fireworks can have on wildlife.
**Interviewer:** It seems this incident has sparked a conversation around the regulation of fireworks. What specific changes are you advocating for?
**Ben Supple:** We’re calling for stricter guidelines regarding the sale and use of fireworks. Ideally, we want to see a ban on public sales altogether. Fireworks not only are stressful for zoo animals but also for pets and livestock across Scotland and the UK.
**Interviewer:** Scottish Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown has acknowledged the issue but points out that the power to implement change ultimately lies with the UK government. How do you feel about this divide?
**Ben Supple:** I think it’s crucial for both governments to collaborate on this matter. It’s not just a Scottish issue; it affects animals nationwide. We need to come together to find a solution that protects all animals from unnecessary fear and stress.
**Interviewer:** Given the circumstances, what message do you want to convey to the public regarding fireworks and the care of animals?
**Ben Supple:** I want people to understand that fireworks can have devastating effects beyond our celebrations. If the public can recognize the risks they pose to animals, it could create the momentum needed for change.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for shedding light on this important issue, Ben. Now, to our readers: What are your thoughts on the use of fireworks, especially considering their potential harm to animals? Should there be stricter regulations or even a ban on their sale to the public? Share your opinions below!
