The future of May Ball firework displays is under threat this week, as the RSPCA has publicly supported an explosive proposal to limit major displays in gardens and on private land to four per year.

The RSPCA claims that firework displays can cause mayhem for owners of domestic pets, 386 of whom complained to the organisation last year about the issue.

Under the new proposal, firework displays would be banned except on Bonfire Night, New Year's Day, Chinese New Year, and Diwali. If passed, the tradition of firework displays at May Week events may fizzle out. However, Julie Doorne, who started the petition, has emphasised that the restrictions being called for are intended to impact back garden fireworks displays rather than large displays such as at May Balls.

MPs will debate the matter on 6th June after a public petition reached over 100,000 signatures.

Research has shown that up to 45 per cent of dogs are troubled by the loud bangs and flashing lights of exploding fireworks, and there have been reports of horses dying from the shock of sudden explosions.

A spokesperson for the British Horse Society told MailOnline that fireworks are "fun for humans, not for horses".

But in Cambridge the proposal may be cause for concern among would-be May Ball committee members, with such displays being a staple of many balls.

Julian Darby and Harriet Gordon, Presidents of Trinity May Ball, told Varsity that the display was “an integral part of the Ball” but said that they “can certainly empathise with the concerns raised”, as pet owners themselves.

“We are fully committed to responsibly deploying our fireworks. It is unclear whether further legislation would necessarily impact the Ball,” they said.

While current legislation, the Fireworks Act of 2003 and Fireworks Regulations of 2004, limits the use and sale of fireworks, RSPCA Campaign Manager Ari Winfield said that it did not go far enough.

"We want to see the government take advantage of this by strengthening the existing acts and restricting the use of fireworks to traditional dates of the year like bonfire night", said Winfield.

Julie Doorne, who started the petition, stated: "MPs need to listen to their constituents who are calling for the law to be tightened up." She has also outlined the "inclusivity" of the campaign: the proposals are intended to aid not just animal wellbeing but also people who have medical conditions that are exacerbated by sudden and unexpected loud noises. 

Proposed measures will also include a reduction in the sound level of publicly sold fireworks from 120 to 96 decibels.