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 specific changes do you believe should be made to regulations on fireworks to better protect animal welfare?
**Interview with Ben Supple, Deputy Head of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Ben. Can you share more about the tragic circumstances surrounding Roxie’s death?
**Ben Supple:** Absolutely. Roxie sadly choked on her own vomit on Guy Fawkes night. We believe this might have been a reaction to the noise and stress caused by the fireworks. Since she had recently lost her mother, Ginger, she was already vulnerable, and this incident has understandably been very distressing for everyone involved at the zoo.
**Editor:** It sounds incredibly heartbreaking. You’ve called for tighter regulations on fireworks. Why do you believe this is so crucial?
**Ben Supple:** Fireworks can have a profound impact on animals, causing fear and stress not only in pets but also in wildlife and animals in captivity. By tightening guidelines and potentially banning the sale of fireworks to the public, we can help prevent similar tragedies in the future. It’s imperative that we prioritize the well-being of animals during these celebrations.
**Editor:** Scottish Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown has echoed your sentiments, stating that the responsibility lies with the government in London to take action. Do you think the government will respond adequately to this issue?
**Ben Supple:** I remain hopeful. This incident has highlighted a serious concern regarding animal welfare during events that involve fireworks. I believe that with enough public support and discussion, we can urge the government to take this matter seriously and implement necessary changes.
**Editor:** Given the outcry, how do you think the community will respond to these calls for change? Do you believe there will be significant public support for a fireworks ban?
**Ben Supple:** I think there is a growing awareness of the impact fireworks can have not only on animals but on many members of our community as well. I encourage readers to reflect on this situation and consider whether the joy of fireworks is worth the potential harm it can cause to our animals.
**Editor:** That’s a thought-provoking question. How do you think people will weigh the enjoyment of fireworks against the welfare of animals in light of this incident?
**Ben Supple:** Exactly. It’s a complex debate. I hope this tragedy instigates deeper conversations about balancing our celebrations with the responsibility we have towards animals. It’s essential for everyone to think about their role in nudging our societies toward more considerate and humane practices.
**Editor:** Thank you, Ben. This is certainly a discussion that warrants further exploration, and we invite our readers to share their thoughts. Should the Scottish and UK governments take more action to regulate fireworks, even at the cost of our traditional celebrations?