Why the Government Must Act Now on Firework Noise: CatsMatter’s Response to the 2026 Consultation

The Government’s 2026 Fireworks & Pyrotechnics Consultation has finally given the public — and animal‑welfare organisations like CatsMatter — a chance to speak plainly about the harm caused by loud consumer fireworks. And we have done exactly that.

CatsMatter are proud members of the Association for Fireworks Legislation Reform (AFLR) — a collective of organisations, experts, and campaigners working to modernise the UK’s outdated fireworks laws. The AFLR pushes for evidence‑based reform, safer standards, lower noise limits, and stronger protections for animals, vulnerable people, and communities.

As AFLR members, CatsMatter stand alongside others who believe the fireworks industry must change — not with small tweaks, but with meaningful, enforceable legislation that finally puts welfare and public safety first.

Across every question, our position is clear, consistent, and grounded in evidence: noise is the problem, harm is the outcome, and there is no meaningful downside to reducing decibel levels or restricting loud fireworks.

Below is a summary of the key points CatsMatter has put forward in the consultation, and the tone we believe the Government must hear. Below is focusing on the questions asked in the consultation specifically, should persons feel we have missed major sections out. We have used every opportunity to highlight ALL issues surrounding this, not just focused on the Governments questions. The Government have centred the consultation around the noise of F2 & F3 fireworks, whilst also focusing questions on F1 - that of Christmas crackers and party poppers.

Loud Fireworks Cause Harm — and Lowering Noise Has No Negative Impact

CatsMatter’s responses emphasise a simple truth: fireworks do not need extreme noise to be enjoyed. Colour, height, sparkle, choreography — none of these rely on explosive sound.

Yet every year, loud fireworks cause:

• panic and injury in pets

• flight responses in wildlife

• distress for autistic people, veterans, and those with PTSD

• sleep disruption for families

• startle injuries

• anti‑social behaviour and misuse as weapons

The Government’s own consultation data shows overwhelming public concern about noise. And crucially, there is no evidence of any negative impact from lowering decibel limits. Not for safety, not for enjoyment, not for industry.

CatsMatter’s position:

Reducing noise is a win for everyone — and a loss for no one. We have previously made clear publicly that we would support a full ban of the public sale of fireworks, and would prefer them reduced to organised events only alongside a noise reduction, but we welcome any change as the situation is at breaking point now. Although we accept small changes are better than none, we have urged the Government not to waste this opportunity and make a real impact, rather than appear to have done something yet very little ends up being changed.

Immediate Action on Production Is Possible — and Necessary

One of the strongest points we made is that the Government can immediately ban the production of loud fireworks. Legally, this is straightforward. The Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations can be amended at any time, and loud fireworks can be added to Regulation 33 (the banned list).

This would:

• stop manufacturers producing harmful high‑noise fireworks

• begin shifting the market toward safer, quieter designs

• reduce future harm without disrupting current retail stock

  
  

Our tone here is firm: If the Government recognises the harm, it must act at the source.

Retailers Need a Phase‑In Period — and That’s Fine

While production can be halted immediately, CatsMatter acknowledges that retailers need time to adjust. The Government itself proposes a 6‑month transitional period, but industry realities suggest 12 months is more workable.

This phased approach:

• prevents financial losses (the industry would argue)

• reduces the risk of a black market

• allows existing stock to be sold responsibly

  
  

CatsMatter supports a dual‑track model:

Immediate production ban

Phased retail transition

This balances public safety with economic practicality — and ensures no animal suffers simply because the supply chain moves slowly. A ban should mean a ban and people and animals shouldn't need to wait years to see and feel the benefits of it.

Noise Limits Must Fall — Significantly

CatsMatter’s consultation responses make it clear that the current limits (120 dB at 1 m, 8 m, or 25 m depending on category) are far too high. Even at the proposed lowering of 90 dB — the level of a loud lawnmower — it is still distressing for animals and vulnerable people. Any noise reduction is a positive step forward, but we would like to see this in all categories and think the Government should reduce the noise further still.

We support:

• lower maximum decibel limits across all categories

• a ban on high‑noise fireworks entirely

• a shift toward low‑noise alternatives already used in professional displays

  
  

  Our tone here is unapologetically direct: If a firework’s noise causes harm, it should not be sold.

The Public Wants Change — and the Government Must Listen

The consultation’s own figures show overwhelming public support for reducing noise and restricting harmful fireworks. CatsMatter’s responses amplify that public voice, backed by years of evidence and thousands of animal welfare cases.

Our message to Government is simple: You asked for our views. We’ve given them. Now you must act.

Animals cannot speak for themselves — but we can, and we have.

Do we feel the Government will go far enough?

We’ve responded to the Government’s Fireworks Consultation and, let’s be honest, we’re not convinced they’ll go far enough. We fear a missed opportunity The Government’s consultation suggests only F2 & F3 category fireworks will be looked into for noise reduction, yet puts a focus on the noise of F1 fireworks  in the set questions — the quietest, lowest‑risk category including party poppers and Christmas crackers. While ministers debate party poppers and Christmas crackers, the real harm comes from the loud F2 and F3 fireworks exploding across communities every year. Animals panic. Wildlife flees. Vulnerable people suffer. Emergency services become stretched. None of that comes from F1 products, and almost all from F2 & F3 as a result of a public authorised sale. We done not want concentration on the smallest category as the Government risks looking busy while avoiding the real problem if they do. If they truly want change, they must tackle high‑noise consumer fireworks, and we would argue that includes F4 fireworks, which have not been mentioned. Although professional grade requiring specialist training to handle, they are the loudest fireworks in existence. Every year thousands of events are held across the UK using F4 fireworks - New Years displays, large displays organised by local councils, bonfire night professional shows, theme park and major festival firework shows and many professional pyrotechnic products. Why should animals and people within the vicinity of these events be subject to the very same negative impacts the Government are claiming to try to avoid by lowering the dB level of F2 & F3? We would like to see a noise reduction across categories 2, 3 & 4.

If ministers are serious about reducing harm, they must go far beyond 90 dB and commit to genuinely low‑noise fireworks across all categories of concern, not just “slightly less loud” ones.

A small step is welcome — but real change means real noise reduction. Animals deserve better than 90 dB.

Final Word: Harm Is Preventable — If the Government Chooses to Prevent It

CatsMatter’s tone throughout the consultation is clear:

• Decibel limits must fall.

• Loud fireworks must end.

• Production can stop immediately.

• Retailers can transition gradually.

• No one loses anything from quieter fireworks — but vulnerable people, wildlife, pets and their owners can gain everything.

  
  

The Government now has the evidence, the public support, and the regulatory power to make meaningful change. It simply needs the will.