Footage of the display was shared in local Facebook groups (Image: Supplied)

The CEO of a pet company has apologised after receiving backlash for a firework display held at his West Sussex home.

Dean Richmond, CEO of Pets Corner, issued the apology following the display held on November 8 to celebrate Bonfire Night at his home in Albourne, Mid Sussex.

In a letter sent to local residents, and subsequently published on the Pets Corner website, Dean said he had notified nearby neighbours of the display, however reflected that he should have done this more widely.

He wrote: “I wanted to write to express my sincere apologies if you or your family were disturbed by the Guy Fawkes display at my house on Saturday, 8th November.

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

“I had notified several nearby neighbours 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.”

Mr Richmond also addressed claims from a nearby resident who said their horse had panicked during the display, breaking their leg and resulting in the horse being put to sleep.

The CEO also squashed claims that he had laughed when confronted by a resident about the display.

He wrote: “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 well-being of all our fellow residents.”

In a statement from Pets Corner, it highlighted that the display had been a “private matter and not connected to company” and emphasised that the event was intended to be a “short, family-friendly celebration”.

A spokesperson for Pets Corner said: “Dean’s home is situated a distance from the main village and is surrounded by farmland and public footpaths. He personally informed his nearest neighbours – including two local farms covering large areas around his property – about the event.

“Unfortunately, he did not realise that others further away might be impacted. He accepts that he should have communicated more widely and regrets this oversight.”

It added: “There were other displays on this evening in the area, and we would like to remind people that social media is not always a fair or balanced forum. Some of the comments and accusations circulating online are untrue.

“Any aggressive or threatening behaviour directed toward Dean, his family, or any member of the Pets Corner community will be reported to the police and dealt with appropriately.”