NEIGHBOURS of a pet shop tycoon have slammed him as a “selfish idiot” after fireworks caused the death of a horse.

The display at Dean Richmond’s £4million mansion reportedly injured a horse so badly it had to be put down.

Dean Richmond from Pets Corner.
Dean Richmond, the CEO of Pets CornerCredit: Refer to source

Pink fireworks exploding in the night sky.
The fireworks seen from a neighbour’s home
 

Fireworks exploding in the night sky, with a large blue and smaller white burst.
The display reportedly lasted for 15 minutes
The 52-year-old apologised after a furious uproar from villagers.

And just a few days before the fireworks were let off, Dean’s company – Pets Corner – posted guidance online about how to keep pets safe and calm amid Bonfire Night celebrations.

“The night before the fireworks can be stressful for our four-legged friends, but a few simple steps can make a big difference.”

The post was then deleted just after his party.

Dean warned his neighbours that he would call the police if they directed any “aggressive or threatening” behaviour at him.

This followed residents labelling the businessman a “selfish idiot” – afterwards he apologised and swore not to hold another display.

His firm boasts of being a leading ethical retailer in the pet industry.

The website reads: “Discover quality pet supplies with ethical values at Pets Corner.

“Founded in 1968, we’re proud to be the UK’s leading ethical pet retailer. As a family business, we put pets and the plant first. Our story is more than just business – it’s built on family and values.”

Locals called the fireworks display at the Grade II-listed home “bomb-like” and claimed the loud sounds caused animals to flee into paddocks for safety.

Villagers allege that during the 15-minute show, a horse bolted and crashed into a fence.

It was found injured in a field and had to be put down by a vet, locals say.

The display, which started at 6pm on Saturday, left windows and doors “shaking” and pets “cowering”, residents said.

One villager said: “Surrounded by farmland and livestock and with absolutely no warning for the community – the first bang genuinely sounded like a bomb going off.

“They were so powerful and loud that local residents reported windows and doors shaking in their homes.

“In other news, a horse had to be [put down] locally today due to injuries it sustained in the field at some point overnight.”

Locals started a petition to limit the sale of fireworks for use in council-approved events only.

Pink fireworks light up a dark night sky behind the silhouettes of houses.
Outraged pet owners filmed the noisy display from their gardens

Logo of British pet store chain Pets Corner.
His firm boasts of being a leading ethnical retailer in the pet industryCredit: Alamy
It’s already racked up 150,000 signatures.

Another enraged neighbour said: “I’m only meters away from this. I’ve never heard anything like it.

“My horses had to be sedated and my field horses I couldn’t help – they were running blind.”

Another described the scene as a “war zone”, and a local said the display was “louder” than the official fireworks.

The outrage caused Dean to write an apology to his neighbours on his company website.

“It was never my intention to cause inconvenience or distress to anyone in the village.

“I had notified several neighbours nearby about the planned display, but with hindsight, I appreciate that I should have shared that information more widely. I am genuinely sorry for any upset this may have caused.

“The event was carefully planned to take place earlier in the evening to minimise disruption, and the bonfire area was securely fenced to protect any nearby wildlife. The display itself was conducted by a professional fireworks company and intended as a celebration with friends, family, and local neighbours.

“A neighbour spoke with me during the evening to express her concern. It has since been suggested that I laughed about the matter; I want to make it absolutely clear that this is untrue. I took her comments seriously and was sorry to learn she was upset.

“I was deeply saddened to hear that a horse may have been injured and subsequently put to sleep. This is truly distressing news, and I am in direct contact with the owners.

“The field where the horses were kept is over 800 metres from the display site, which I had understood to be outside the area likely to be affected.

“As someone who cares deeply about animals — including my own two dogs — I am sincerely sorry for any distress the event may have caused.

“Please be assured that I will not be holding any further fireworks displays in the future.

“I very much want to live in the village for many years with my family, and I truly wish to contribute positively to its success and the wellbeing of all our fellow residents.”

It comes after the Bonfire Night festivities descended into chaos across the country after a night of bedlam saw flares hurled at cars and emergency services attacked.

Police arrested multiple teenagers and were forced to issue dispersal orders after the disorder in major cities.

Cops in multiple towns and cities were forced to issue dispersal orders breaking up large crowds as anti-social behaviour gripped the streets.

And a 15-year-old boy has been arrested after a girl, four, was hit by a firework on Bonfire Night in Burnley, Lancashire

The girl, who hasn’t yet been named, is fighting for her life in hospital.

A company statement from Pets Corner regarding a fireworks display, an apology, and a horse being put down.
 

A police van on a street with fireworks exploding around it.
Bonfire Night descended into chaos across the country, including in Birmingham where fireworks pelted a police vanCredit: Alamy