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 actions can the public take to advocate for stricter regulations on fireworks to protect animals?
**Interview with Ben Supple, Deputy Head of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Ben. It’s tragic to hear about Roxie and the circumstances surrounding her death. Can you explain how the fireworks on Guy Fawkes night may have led to this unfortunate incident?
**Ben Supple:** Absolutely. Fireworks create loud noises and bright flashes that can be very distressing for animals. In Roxie’s case, our vets believe that the stress from the fireworks may have triggered her to react in a way that ultimately led to her choking on her own vomit. It’s heartbreaking, especially after she had recently lost her mother, Ginger.
**Editor:** Given this situation, you’ve called for action regarding fireworks. What specific changes are you hoping to see from the Scottish Government and UK central government?
**Ben Supple:** We’re advocating for stricter guidelines on the use of fireworks, including potentially banning their sale to the general public. It’s important to protect not just zoo animals but also pets and livestock. Fireworks can create chaos and fear, and it’s vital for governments to address this.
**Editor:** Scottish Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown has echoed your sentiments, highlighting that the power to enact change lies with the London government. What do you think are the chances of seeing meaningful reform on this issue?
**Ben Supple:** I believe there is a growing awareness of the impact of fireworks on animals, and with enough public support, we could see significant changes. The ball is in their court, but continued advocacy and public discourse are key.
**Editor:** Many readers may wonder, what specific measures can individuals take in their communities to support this cause?
**Ben Supple:** Community engagement is crucial. People can voice their concerns through petitions, engage with local representatives, and spread awareness about the impact of fireworks on animals. If we gather sufficient support, we can advocate for change more effectively.
**Editor:** This tragedy has sparked a lot of emotions regarding safety and the use of fireworks. What do you hope to hear from the public about this issue?
**Ben Supple:** I’d love to hear people’s thoughts on whether they believe fireworks should be restricted, and if so, to what extent. Should we prioritize the well-being of animals over celebratory practices? It’s a conversation that needs to happen, and I think it’s vital for our communities to weigh in.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Ben. This is definitely a debate worth having and one that reflects our values as a society. What do you think, readers? Should firework sales be restricted to protect animals like Roxie, or do you believe personal freedoms around celebrations should take precedence? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
