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 individuals take to ensure their pets are safe during fireworks events?
**Interview with Ben Supple, Deputy Head of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Ben. It’s truly heartbreaking to hear about Roxie’s tragic death. Can you tell us more about the events leading up to that night and how the zoo is handling the aftermath?
**Ben Supple:** Thank you for having me. Roxie was a beloved cub, and her loss has been devastating for our team. On Guy Fawkes night, she unfortunately choked on her own vomit, which our vets believe was likely triggered by the fireworks. It’s critical to note that she had recently lost her mother and was under a lot of stress. The fireworks not only affected her, but they can deeply impact many animals, causing fear and anxiety.
**Interviewer:** You’ve mentioned advocating for tighter regulations on fireworks. What specific changes are you hoping to see from the Scottish Government and the UK central government?
**Ben Supple:** We’re calling for stricter guidelines regarding the sale and use of fireworks to the public. Ideally, we would support a complete ban on sales to non-professionals. Fireworks pose a significant risk not only to pets but also to livestock and wildlife, and we believe it’s crucial for the governments to take action.
**Interviewer:** Scottish Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown has acknowledged the distress fireworks cause to animals and expressed the need for action from the London government. Do you believe enough is being done at the governmental level to protect animals from these impacts?
**Ben Supple:** I think there’s room for improvement. While there’s acknowledgment of the issue, we need more decisive action to prevent further tragedies. It’s a multi-faceted problem that requires collaboration across different levels of government to ensure all animals are protected.
**Interviewer:** Roxie’s story has sparked conversations about the use of fireworks. What should individuals consider before using fireworks, especially during celebrations?
**Ben Supple:** Individuals should think about the potential consequences their celebrations may have on animals. Fireworks can cause extreme fear and anxiety, disrupting not just household pets but wildlife around them. It’s important to consider alternative ways to celebrate that are less harmful.
**Interviewer:** Before we conclude, how do you think the community can help raise awareness about these issues?
**Ben Supple:** Community engagement is vital. We encourage people to discuss the impacts of fireworks openly, support calls for tighter legislation, and participate in local initiatives that promote animal welfare. Together, we can make a significant change for the wellbeing of all animals.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Ben, for your insights. This raises an important question for our readers: Should there be a total ban on fireworks to protect animals, or do you think people should continue to have the freedom to celebrate in traditional ways? We invite everyone to share their thoughts and engage in this important conversation.