Milton’s City Council voted Monday night to implement expanded fireworks restrictions to protect horses as well as the barns they call home.

The measure prohibits setting off fireworks within 200 yards of the border of any property that has equines (a term that includes horses, donkeys, ponies, and mules). Mayor Peyton Jamison, Speaker Pro Tem Jan Jones, and Milton Equestrian Committee Chair Tony Rich spearheaded this significant development, which came about thanks to legislation that Jones crafted and pushed through the Georgia General Assembly.

Horses’ “flight” instinct (spurring them to bolt when alarmed) and their considerable size makes them more susceptible to hurting themselves, people, and other animals, not to mention damaging property, when fireworks blast off. Hot sparks from fireworks also pose a pronounced fire hazard to stables and barns filled with flammable materials like straw and wood.

Given such concerns and in solidarity with Milton’s proud equestrian community, the City over the years has conducted extensive, multi-faceted public education campaigns to encourage neighbors to be better informed and more considerate given the negative impacts of loud fireworks on horses, other animals, and people (like veterans with PTSD).

Yet the City government couldn’t go beyond that. State law has required fireworks be allowed on select dates annually (such as Memorial Day weekend, July 4^th, and around New Year’s Eve), regardless of a local community’s preference. While that law has provisions barring loud fireworks being ignited within 100 yards of a gas station/fuel tank, electric substation, historic site, nursing home, or a health care facility, there were no such cut-outs to prohibit them near where horses live.

A proactive conversation involving Jamison, Jones, and Rich helped change that. This led to House Bill 614, which contains language “to authorize local governments to prohibit the use or ignition of consumer fireworks in proximity to certain facilities housing equines.” After proceeding through the State House of Representatives and Senate, Gov. Brian Kemp signed this bill into law on May 14.

“I listened to Milton’s horse owners, appreciated their concerns, and took action by crafting House Bill 614 that required the support of legislators all over Georgia,” said Speaker Pro Tem Jan Jones. “I’m proud to have worked with Mayor Jamison in particular, who made protecting our horses a priority; the Milton Equestrian Committee, including Tony Rich; and Milton staff, who provided professional support. We worked together to help protect these animals, their owners, and riders, and further preserve Milton’s rural heritage. This legislation is a great example of how collaboration and community input can lead to meaningful, lasting change.”

“This strikes the right balance between protecting the rural character and horse farms that define Milton, while still understanding that families want to celebrate,” added Mayor Peyton Jamison. “It’s not about eliminating fireworks — it’s about being more mindful of where and how they’re used, so we can preserve what makes Milton unique. I’m especially grateful to Speaker Pro Tem Jan Jones for her leadership in the General Assembly and for all she continues to do for the people of Milton.”

The State law – as well as what Milton’s City Council enacted on June 16 – goes into effect on July 1. These new restrictions apply every day of the year, including over the upcoming Independence Day holiday. And due to the potential fire hazard, it applies to all fireworks (so even silent ones, not just those that create noises exceeding the maximum decibels allowed by the City that were already barred most of the year).

If someone notices a violation of any fireworks-related Milton ordinance, they can call 911 or 678-297-6300. While it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly where and who set off fireworks – with prompt and detailed reporting vital – Milton Police will do their best to respond and act. Especially this year with the changes so fresh, educating the public (including those who may consider using fireworks) about what is new will be a top priority. People should also understand that, given how high they can soar into the sky and how loud they can be, fireworks can be legally ignited more than 200 yards from an equestrian property and still startle horses. (The 200-yard measure is based off where the firework is lit, not where it explodes or lands.)

What areas of Milton are covered under the equine restrictions? Property owners do not register if they have horses with the City, so there’s no official map showing every horse farm. Most residents, though, have a good idea of which of their neighbors have horses.

And to make things even clearer, owners of properties with horses will soon be able to pick up free signs at City Hall. These can be placed on private property visible enough that passersby will know there are equines nearby and should not set off fireworks.  Follow the City’s website and Facebook page throughout this month for the latest information on these signs and when they’ll be available for pickup.

“Milton’s equestrian community knows all too well how traumatic fireworks can be,” said Tony Rich, the Milton Equestrian Committee chair. “We appreciate this legislation and the City’s commitment to do what it can to make Milton a safe, welcome home for horses and those who love them.”