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 advocate for stricter regulations on fireworks in light of animals’ welfare?
**Interview with Ben Supple, Deputy Head of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Ben. Can you tell us more about the circumstances surrounding Roxie’s tragic incident on Guy Fawkes night?
**Ben Supple:** Thank you for having me. Unfortunately, Roxie, our young panda cub, choked on her own vomit during the fireworks display, which is believed to have been triggered by the stress from the loud noises. She had already been through a lot after losing her mother, Ginger, and despite receiving specialized care, the stress of the fireworks had a critical impact.
**Editor:** This has raised significant concerns about the effects of fireworks on animals. What changes are you advocating for regarding their use?
**Ben Supple:** It’s crucial that we take a hard look at how fireworks are managed. I’m urging both the Scottish Government and the UK government to impose stricter guidelines on their sale and use, potentially even a ban for the general public. The fear and stress these loud explosions cause to animals—both domesticated pets and those in zoos—cannot be overstated.
**Editor:** Siobhian Brown has also mentioned the governmental responsibility in this matter. How do you envision the balance between public enjoyment of fireworks and the well-being of animals?
**Ben Supple:** That’s the challenge, isn’t it? Enjoying fireworks is a part of cultural celebrations for many, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of animal welfare. We need to foster a dialogue about finding alternative ways to celebrate that minimize distress for animals.
**Editor:** Given the outpouring of grief over Roxie’s death, how do you think the public can contribute to this conversation?
**Ben Supple:** The public’s voice is vital. Advocating for stricter regulations and raising awareness about the impacts of fireworks can influence policy change. People should not only express their sympathy for incidents like Roxie’s but also actively engage in discussions about how we can celebrate responsibly.
**Editor:** Lastly, what do you think our readers should consider about this issue?
**Ben Supple:** I encourage readers to think critically about the balance between tradition and animal welfare. Is the joy of fireworks worth the risk and stress imposed on animals? Should we consider alternatives that maintain our celebrations but also protect the well-being of all creatures? Let’s start a meaningful dialogue on this important topic.
