Festive season nightmare for pets
“So one should not be handling any displays of fireworks. Only during large events can one can get special permission to let off fireworks, and even then they would need to employ the services of a pyro-technician,” said Ms Georgiades.
The festive season is upon us and it is a joyous time for most. It is a time to celebrate and be merry.
But this is not the case for many pets. November to December is the worst time for pets as they suffer a lot of trauma due to the numerous fireworks displays around the country.
Ms Kat Georgiades, from Pet Finda, an organisation that deals with the rescue of pets, agrees.
“I know from personal experience within my community that the amount of strays during November increased as compared to other months. Animals leave their properties due to being frightened. They run away in fear and get lost,” said Ms Georgiades. She said the law regarding fireworks states that it is illegal for anyone to use fireworks where there are animals.
“So one should not be handling any displays of fireworks. Only during large events can one can get special permission to let off fireworks, and even then they would need to employ the services of a pyro-technician,” said Ms Georgiades. She said the only way to protect one’s animals is not to use fireworks.
“Ensure that animals are safe and cannot escape the property. If they are inside the house, make sure they cannot jump through the windows as this has been known to happen,” said Ms Georgiades.
She said if the pets are outdoors, one must ensure there is nothing they can hurt themselves on when they are startled by the noise of the fireworks.
“They can fall into the pool or fall off any walls they may have access to,” said Ms Georgiades. She added that the best thing would be to keep the pets inside the house with you. “I know of some people who get tranquilisers from their local vet to help calm their dogs. People also the use of the Back range of rescue remedy drops, which is a natural remedy. These drops can also help calm one’s animals,” said Ms Georgiades.
She pleaded with people to have their pets microchipped, because if they get out of the property and onto the street, the pet can hopefully be picked up by a good Samaritan and taken to the local vet or SPCA. “Then they have a chance of being returned to the owner if they are microchipped,” said Ms Georgiades. She said that should anyone hear any fireworks going off in their neighbourhood, they should call the police as the use of fireworks in residential areas is illegal.
