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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What measures can the public take to support tighter regulations on fireworks to protect animal welfare?
**Interview with Ben Supple, Deputy Head of the RZSS**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Ben. The tragic death of panda cub Roxie has sparked significant conversation around fireworks and their impact on animals. Can you tell us more about the immediate response from the zoo staff when the incident occurred?
**Ben Supple:** We were all heartbroken by Roxie’s death. Our team did everything in their power to support her after losing her mother, Ginger, and had been feeding her on her own. Unfortunately, the stress from the fireworks that night may have contributed to her choking on her own vomit. It was an incredibly sad situation.
**Interviewer:** You’re calling for tighter restrictions on fireworks in the UK. What specific changes do you believe should be made to protect animals like Roxie in the future?
**Ben Supple:** It’s essential that both the Scottish and UK governments put more robust guidelines in place, potentially banning the sale of fireworks to the general public. Fireworks cause significant fear and stress to animals, and we must prioritize their welfare.
**Interviewer:** Scottish Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown has echoed your concerns, emphasizing that the London government has the power to enact change. What are you hoping will come from your discussions with them?
**Ben Supple:** I hope to see a clear commitment to addressing this issue and implementing stricter regulations on fireworks. It’s not just about Roxie; many pets and livestock face anxiety during these celebrations. It’s vital for us to advocate for their safety.
**Interviewer:** Given this incident, how do you think the public perceives the use of fireworks? Do you anticipate a shift in opinion towards tighter regulations?
**Ben Supple:** I believe there is a growing awareness and concern about the impact of fireworks not only on animals but also on people, especially those with anxiety or PTSD. If people understand the ripple effects of using fireworks, I think there could be a significant debate on whether the celebration is worth the distress it causes.
**Interviewer:** That’s an important point. Do you think the public will rally behind your cause, or do you foresee resistance, especially from those who view fireworks as a tradition?
**Ben Supple:** Change is always met with mixed reactions. However, I believe that as more stories like Roxie’s emerge, people will begin to weigh the value of tradition against the welfare of animals. It should prompt a broader discussion about how we celebrate and the alternatives available.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Ben. Your passion for animal welfare is evident, and we hope this conversation encourages readers to think critically about the impact of fireworks.
**Debate Prompt for Readers:** With Roxie’s tragic death highlighting the effects of fireworks on animals, do you think it’s time to reconsider our traditions? Should personal enjoyment take precedence over animal welfare, or is it possible to find a balance?