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 chairman 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 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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How can public awareness campaigns influence changes in legislation regarding fireworks use in Scotland?
**Interview with Ben Supple, Deputy Chairman of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland**
**Interviewer:** Ben, it’s heartbreaking to hear about the loss of Roxie, especially under such distressing circumstances. Can you elaborate on how the fireworks contributed to her tragic death?
**Ben Supple:** Absolutely, it’s a very sad situation. Roxie had recently lost her mother, and despite the expert care she received, the environment on Guy Fawkes night was overwhelming for her. Our vets believe that her choking on her own vomit was likely a reaction to the stress and fear caused by the fireworks.
**Interviewer:** Given this incident, what changes are you proposing regarding the use of fireworks in Scotland?
**Ben Supple:** We are advocating for stricter guidelines around fireworks, including a potential ban on their sale to the general public. Fireworks pose significant risks not just to zoo animals like Roxie but also to pets and livestock. It’s crucial for the Scottish and UK governments to prioritize the wellbeing of all animals during celebrations.
**Interviewer:** Scottish Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown acknowledges the risks but suggests the ultimate decision lies with the government in London. What do you think can be done at both levels to address this issue?
**Ben Supple:** It’s essential that both the Scottish Government and the UK central government work together on this. While local governance can implement restrictions, national policies need to support those initiatives. We need a unified approach to protect animals from the distress caused by fireworks, which could involve public awareness campaigns alongside regulatory changes.
**Interviewer:** This raises an interesting point for debate. Do you think public celebrations, such as fireworks displays, are worth the risk they pose to the wellbeing of animals? Should there be a complete re-evaluation of how we celebrate events like Guy Fawkes night?
**Ben Supple:** That’s a compelling question. As we assess the impact of such festivities on both animals and people, it’s crucial that our celebrations consider all living beings. It’s time for society to reflect on the traditions that may inadvertently cause distress and explore alternative ways to celebrate that are safe for everyone.
