A HORSE at a Flintshire livery became impaled on a fence after allegedly being spooked by fireworks.

The horse was in a field in Holywell when it bolted and attempted to flee, which led to it becoming impaled on a fence.

The alarm was raised after the horse - thought to have been spooked by fireworks - was found on Saturday, November 2, with its leg impaled on a fence post in a hedge at Bryn Celyn in Holywell.

The owner and a vet, among others, were at the location, with the RSPCA being called for assistance - with the wound being over 10cm deep.

RSPCA inspector Jenny Anderton said: “After some time and great difficulty the owner and the vet eventually managed to rescue the horse - named Harry - and myself and RSPCA animal collection officer Ann Lloyd Williams were there as an extra pair of hands.

“The horse must have been laying there all night and it took us until 1pm to get him out, get him up and get him on a wagon for the vets to attempt surgery on his very serious wounds, caused by impaling himself on the hedge and fencing. We of course don’t know for definite, but it seems pretty likely that Harry was frightened by nearby fireworks that were set off.

“We really hope Harry recovers - it is just so sad to think how frightened he must have been and then in so much distress while he was impaled. This incident really does show what the effects of fireworks can be and we urge people to be mindful of the animals around them when setting fireworks off.”

Local livery owner, Lily Roberts, who was also present at the rescue, said: “There were two fireworks that went off at 12.30am that literally shook our house - we think it's them that would have spooked Harry.

"He had crushed the hedge and we had to cut the hedge around him. It was just horrible. I had never seen anything like this before.

"I want to see laws around the purchasing of fireworks tightened, whether it be changing the law so that a license is required to buy them or only allow them to be used during organised displays.

"I love bonfire night, it's one of my favourite nights of the year but I am sick of seeing animals and humans suffer unnecessarily for these things. There are so many free fantastic fireworks displays around, stop setting them off in your back garden."

Miss Roberts says Harry will survive the ordeal, but it is touch and go whether he will be able to be ridden again.

And RSPCA Cymru is also calling for action to tackle the unnecessary stress caused to animals at this time of year.

The animal welfare charity is throwing its support behind concerned pet owners and animal lovers with its ‘Bang Out Of Order’ campaign; encouraging the responsible use of fireworks, and the adoption of tighter regulations concerning their use.

RSPCA wants to see limits to the public sale and use of fireworks closer to four popular celebration dates – Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year and Diwali.

A spate of calls to the RSPCA about the impact fireworks have on animals has prompted the charity to campaign for noise restrictions on the maximum level of decibels in fireworks available to the public; mandatory licensing and prominent advertising for all public displays, and heightened awareness on the impact of fireworks on the animals around us.

Shelley-Marie Phillips, RSPCA campaigns manager, said: “Sadly, fireworks and firework noise can lead to fear, distress and sometimes injury for many animals.

“Across England and Wales, we received over 400 calls last year about animals negatively impacted – so we’re calling for action to tackle this unnecessary stress and help keep animals safe at this time of year.

“Fireworks can cause problems for so many animals – from pets and farm animals; to wildlife, who can also be burned after making their homes in bonfires. Quite simply – it is bang out of order.

“That’s why we want to see action taken – from ensuring animal owners have the chance to be more prepared, to seeing tighter regulations around the sale of fireworks and advertising for displays.

“We’re asking supporters to join us in taking action against fireworks – by writing to their local Councillors and calling for action at a local level – from better advertising of displays, to a public awareness campaign and encouraging stops to shock lower-noise alternatives."

If you see an animal you have concerns about please call the RSPCA's emergency line on 0300 1234 999.