Overview
- The November 8 Guy Fawkes display at Dean Richmond’s West Sussex estate was run by a professional firm and lasted about six and a half minutes after a 6:00 p.m. bonfire.
- Residents reported powerful blasts that rattled windows and said pets showed severe distress, including vomiting and loss of bowel control.
- A neighbouring horse bolted in panic, suffered catastrophic injuries after hitting a fence, and was later euthanised by a veterinarian.
- Richmond said he had notified several nearby neighbours, denied laughing at a complainant, and noted the horses’ field was more than 800 metres from the launch site.
- Pets Corner removed its fireworks guidance for pet owners and said the event was private, as neighbours criticised perceived hypocrisy given Richmond’s animal-care role.