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Horse owners asked to take part in Blue Cross fireworks survey
Blue Cross is concerned about a rise in private firework displays as a result of COVID-19 restrictions.

Charity seeks to better understanding of equine community's concerns

Charity Blue Cross is appealing for horse owners across the UK to respond to a survey about the impact of fireworks.

There were many reports of horses becoming scared or injured as a result of fireworks displays this year. As COVID-19 restrictions led to an increase in people hosting private displays in their gardens.

Blue Cross is concerned about this rise in personal firework displays – particularly in the lead up to new years eve – as well as the negative impact this can have on pets and horses.

The national pet charity, which has equine centres in Oxfordshire and Staffordshire, is calling on horse and pony owners to take part in a national survey. The results of which will be used to gain a greater understanding of any concerns from the equine community.

Blue Cross is looking to receive as many responses as possible from horse owners by 10 December.

The survey is available to fill out online.

Blue Cross education manager Kerry Taylor said: “In these changing times it is important to understand the existing concerns horse owners have around fireworks season and the impact these celebrations can have on their animals.

“Horses have a natural and innate flight response and we know some fare badly when local fireworks are set off and we are hoping to understand the national picture in greater detail.”

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Voting opens for BEVA Council

News Story 1
 Eligible members of BEVA will be able to vote for their Council team until Monday, 17 August 2026. Members will have received an election email on 17 July.

There are five candidates standing for four available places on Council. They are:

  • Alexandre Triguino
  • Angela Jones
  • Beth Bryant
  • Holly Rees
  • Hugh Somerville
Full profiles for each candidate can be found on the BEVA website

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Government releases latest bluetongue statistics

APHA has confirmed the number of bluetongue cases that have been logged in the UK since 1 July 2026.

The total number of BTV-3 cases, as of 6 August, is 187. This includes 183 cases in England and four cases in Wales.

There have been no recorded cases in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The location of premises in Great Britain where at least one animal has tested positive by PCR for BTV-3, BTV-8 or BTV-12 is available on the bluetongue case map. All livestock keepers in Great Britain are urged to familiarise themselves with nation-specific bluetongue control policies.

Bluetongue virus is a notifiable disease. It is a legal requirement that any suspicions, even if livestock has been vaccinated, are reported immediately.