Firework sale ban appeal after horse ‘died of fear’

A DEVASTATED horse owner has told how her animal had to be put down after being terrified by fireworks.

Now Claire Buchanan, 45, has launched a petition to ban firework sales to the public.

The offshore worker, who lives near Keith, Moray, has collected more than 6,500 signatures in support of changing the rules, which she described as ‘woefully inadequate’.

She said her beloved 21-yearold gelding Tango worked himself into a frenzy after fireworks were let off from a cottage nearby early on January 1.

She said he began to sweat and throw himself to the ground, kicking at his stomach.

Mrs Buchanan said: ‘I had seen this before and it is usually colic, which happens when the guts twist. In Tango’s case it was fear-induced.’

She added: ‘I called the vet out but by the time he got to him, Tango was in absolute agony and the best thing to do was put him to sleep.’ Her petition says: ‘I do not want another pet owner or animal to suffer in the way we have. It is time for a meaningful change.’