According to the Benoni SPCA, “fireworks season” is fast approaching and they are encouraging pet parents to take note of the following dates when fireworks are expected to be used:
• Diwali, November 14
• New Year’s Eve, December 31
Diane Wooldrige, chairperson of the Benoni SPCA, said although to humans fireworks might be fun, for animals the loud booms and flashing lights are not.
“Animals have a more acute hearing sense than humans, so those loud booms, crackles and whistles are alarming and trigger their fight-or-flight response.
“Most pets run away when they hear fireworks, so it is critical to ensure your animals are identified by getting them microchipped well in advance and to ensure their microchip is updated,” she explained.
“Fireworks make an animal feel trapped, so if the noises trigger your dog’s flight response he will try to run from that threat.
“Firecrackers come without warning and the loud noises and flashing lights sound and look different each time, plus they come at different intervals, so dogs cannot get used to them.”
She added not all dogs are scared by fireworks; however, your dog may bark at the noises or run and hide or even show other signs of distress like restlessness, panting, pacing and whining.
“As you can see, animals have good reason to fear fireworks. Do not ignore the signs of your animals showing fear. Try and keep them calm during this time.”
What you can do:
• Bring your animal inside when the fireworks start.
• Put them in a small space like a bathroom or toilet, bringing in their bed, blanket, toys and anything else you can think of to make them more comfortable.
• Play calming music to drown out the noise and close blinds or curtains to make the atmosphere more soothing.
• Calming wraps, vests and shirts applied with light pressure also creates a soothing, calming mood.
• Try CBD oil to help reduce anxiety and stress and to promote calmness.
• Walk them during daylight hours to avoid times when fireworks are likely to be set off.
Reporting fireworks
Wooldrige said the SPCA does not enforce the laws relating to the use of fireworks.
“The Explosives Act is enforced by the SAPS to whom matters of concern need to be reported.
This Act covers the sale of fireworks as well as issues relating to the discharge of fireworks in public areas. Local by-laws regulate the discharge of fireworks on private property.
“In some municipalities, permits are required and in other areas there is a dispensation for Diwali fireworks between specified times.
“We especially appeal to everyone celebrating Diwali to use fireworks without the loud bags, to be considerate of animals, their neighbours and other community members and to abide by the laws and regulations on the use of fireworks.”
She added this is an exceptionally busy time for the SPCA.
Stray and lost animals can be brought to the SPCA, at 3 Klein Street, Lakefield, 24 hours a day.
For injured animals or emergencies, contact the SPCA on 011 894 2814/5 during office hours or after hours on the emergency number, 073 511 2261.
To enforce the Explosives Act, the EMPD can be contacted on 011 458 0911.
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