Fireworks at pet store owner causes death of horse

Smitty said:
Fingers crossed for a Ratner style backlash.

Unspeakable man. None of his stores near me but will boycott any I see on my travels.
Click to expand...
There’s one in my local town. I will make a point of dropping in and informing the staff of why I won’t be shopping there. Politely, of course, it’s not their fault the company owner is an arse.
 
WHAT TO DO if your neighbours are having a firework display close to your horses’ stables /paddocks.

If you have already had a nice chat to explain how worried you are, etc. about your animals and your neighbour is not prepared to listen, here are some tips on what to do next:

Firstly, have a copy of the law regarding setting off fireworks near horses, or print out a Hoof Leaflet which you can display as a poster or hand to your neighbour.

STEP 1. Ask to see a copy of their insurance and explain that you need to see this in case of any injury to your horses.

STEP 2. Household Insurance would not cover in the event of third parties attending the event. For commercial displays also ask to see the insurance and risk assessment report. Explain that your horses are close by, and in the event of them being injured or needing vet care, you would be making a claim.

STEP 3. If they will not show you their insurance: The next step is to ask for the name and address of the person organising the event. Write them a letter stating the law on fireworks and horses and explain that because they have not shown you their insurance this letter will be kept on file.

STEP 4. Sometimes scout groups etc have professional companies organising the event on their behalf. In this case you need to find out the name of the company and contact them. Upon contact ask them who is insuring the event. If you get this information contact them and explain as stated in STEP 1 Above

STEP 5 If you have managed to get this far you may find the event will be cancelled due to complications within the insurance. It may put many off

STEP 6. If it appears the event is still going ahead contact your local council trading standards Animal Welfare Dept. Also have a chat with your local police.

STEP 7 Many authorities are not even aware of the law. As stated in the animal welfare Act it is an offence to knowingly cause suffering to an animal by letting off fireworks close to stables or paddocks housing livestock. You may need to point this out to them. As your neighbour is going to be causing unnecessary suffering to your animals and he is now fully aware as you have already explained this to him.

STEP 8 The authorities may try and put the responsibility back on you by saying that you should move your horses etc . But of course this is not possible as you nowhere to move them to and this move would cause unnecessary stress and suffering to your animals

STEP 9 You are getting nowhere. Not uncommon i am afraid. Many people feel at this point they are banging their head against a brick wall. Unfortunately as of yet no one appears to have pushed things far enough to get enforcement or make a case This is why we all need to keep on calling authorities etc so they are aware of the law

STEP 10 Your next step could be to download a claim form and start an application to take out a Prohibitor injunction to stop the event. The cost of this application is around £150.00 and for anyone not able to afford the fee there is a application to have the fee wavered if on low income etc. Should anyone want advice on this contact your local authority .

STEP 11. Should you not use Step 10 and the event is still going ahead write to the organiser/Neighbour again explain your concerns re your animals explain that apart from the fact they may injure themselves or a spark may ignite your stables or hay, your horses will suffer stress which could last for several days resulting in you having to seek veterinary assistance and should this happen they will be liable for all costs. Explain that you will if necessary pursue a claim for damages through the courts. Which incidentally you could at very little cost via the small claims court.

STEP 12. Keep copies of any correspondence. Explain also that you will be notifying Animal Welfare Agencies the council and the Police and that should the event go ahead you will be filming it and using the film as evidence.

STEP 13 Should the event go ahead have witnesses on site and film the event

Read more at https://forums.horseandhound.co.uk/threads/reality-of-fireworks.782245/#rzJsCjvMKL3lFegS.99

All public events have to go through the local authority SAG (Safety Advisory Group) this should be your enquiry to see if the organisers have carried out the correct Health and Safety procedures. If your concerns are raised to them they hae to investigate it.

The local council and the police are jointly responsible for ensuring the law is upheld and setting fireworks off next to a stable is punishable by six months in prison or a £20,000 fine. The local welfare officer should also support you because this is a breech of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

See House of Commons Regulatiuons of Fireworks Number 05704 16
 
ester said:
Bit late for them now
Click to expand...
For them yes, but not for any future events that could affect any of us with horses so I think PN has done a sterling job of outlining the steps needed to hopefully prevent any future large displays. I no longer have horses but well remember the stress and misery fireworks caused.
 
Smitty said:
For them yes, but not for any future events that could affect any of us with horses so I think PN has done a sterling job of outlining the steps needed to hopefully prevent any future large displays. I no longer have horses but well remember the stress and misery fireworks caused.
Click to expand...
Yes just thought that was better placed on the more general firework threads rather than on one about a very specific situation
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top