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 does Ben Supple suggest need to be taken to enhance the welfare of animals in relation to fireworks?
**Interview with Ben Supple, Deputy Head of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS)**
**Interviewer:** Good afternoon, Ben. It’s heartbreaking to hear about the tragic loss of panda cub Roxie. Can you tell us more about what happened on Guy Fawkes night?
**Ben Supple:** Good afternoon. Yes, it is indeed a sad situation. Roxie choked on her own vomit, and we believe this was likely triggered by the stress caused by fireworks in the area. She had recently lost her mother, Ginger, and although she had been responding well to specialized care, the loud noises from the fireworks were simply too much for her.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the impact of fireworks on animals. What steps do you think need to be taken to prevent such incidents in the future?
**Ben Supple:** I strongly advocate for tightening guidelines on fireworks usage. Fireworks are known to cause fear and extreme stress not just for household pets but for zoo animals and livestock as well. I believe a ban on the sale of fireworks to the general public is essential for enhancing the welfare of all animals.
**Interviewer:** Scottish Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown has acknowledged that this is a significant issue. What discussions are taking place at the government level regarding fireworks regulation?
**Ben Supple:** Minister Brown has expressed her concern about the impact of fireworks and has reached out for a discussion with the government in London to address this matter. It’s vital that we collaborate to find effective solutions to minimize the stress that fireworks cause to animals.
**Interviewer:** How do you think the public can contribute to this issue? What role do you see them playing in preventing more tragedies like Roxie’s?
**Ben Supple:** Public awareness is crucial. I encourage everyone to consider the implications of fireworks celebrations, not only for animals but for people who may have PTSD or other sensitivities. A public outcry for stricter regulations can influence policymakers and encourage change.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Ben, for sharing your insights on this tragedy. It raises important questions about our responsibility to protect all living beings.
**Question for the Readers:** Given the distress that fireworks cause to animals, do you believe the general public should have unrestricted access to consumer fireworks, or should there be tighter regulations and even bans to protect wildlife and pets? We’d love to hear your thoughts on this pressing issue.
