Wildlife Group Asks UK to Cut Firework Noise Cap to 90 Decibels

The Center for Wild Animal Welfare (CWAW) is urging the UK government to lower the maximum noise level for consumer fireworks from 120 decibels to 90 decibels. The organization argues this reduction is necessary to shield millions of wild animals from acute stress. CWAW states that 90 decibels is roughly one-eighth the loudness of the current 120-decibel standard.

The request follows a recent government consultation on a less drastic change. Officials proposed lowering the limit to 110 decibels, which would halve the loudness of fireworks sold to the public. CWAW contends that the 110-decibel proposal does not go far enough. The group claims that a 90-decibel limit would make the area disturbed by each firework approximately 100 times smaller than the government's current plan.

Richard Parr, director of CWAW, explained the mechanics of sound travel. He noted that loud fireworks can penetrate up to 10 kilometers. Because the decibel scale is logarithmic, every 10-decibel cut reduces the affected area by a factor of 10. Parr emphasized that while people understand the distress fireworks cause pets, the impact on wild animals is often overlooked. He stated, “There’s no reason to think that wild animals would be any less affected than pets.”

Parr highlighted that prey animals are particularly vulnerable. He described the random, unannounced bangs as terrifying for creatures that have evolved to be cautious and naturally jumpy. He added, “It might even be worse because it’s completely unnatural.” The sudden disruption of their natural rhythms is a major source of stress for these species.

Rebecca Machin, a wildlife expert at the RSPCA, aligned with CWAW’s concerns. She noted that fireworks and their debris disturb a wide range of wild animals, with birds being especially hard hit. Machin listed specific impacts, including disrupted migration, elevated stress hormones, and hazards from leftover debris. She said, “Fireworks and their debris can disturb a range of wild animals, particularly birds, causing suffering and distress.”

Research indicates that birds suffer specific harms during displays. These include stress responses, mass temporary displacement, and fatal collisions. A stark example occurred on New Year’s Day 2025 in Bulgaria. More than 1,000 birds were found dead near a hiking trail, just over a kilometer from a fireworks site. Panicked birds had flown into trees and each other during the event.

The government’s consultation follows a parliamentary debate in January where concerns about firework noise and availability were raised. Two petitions collected more than 180,000 signatures each. The review also looks at expanding the list of banned fireworks and changing rules on lower-risk products, such as removing the age limit on Christmas crackers. New Zealand adopted a 90-decibel limit in 2008 and restricted sale days, but UK officials have worried that the standard is difficult to define precisely in legislation.

The British Fireworks Association responded to the campaign for a stricter limit. A spokesperson said the group takes concerns about wildlife disturbance seriously. However, the association does not believe the case for a 90-decibel limit has been proven. They favor better enforcement of existing laws and a national campaign for considerate use. They also warned of the risk of people turning to illegal fireworks if limits become too strict.