Those who wish to set off fireworks must adjure to bylaws pertaining to the action, while pet owners need to be aware that fireworks are often set off at any time around the relevant dates and to take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their animals.
Deepavali will be celebrated on October 23, this year, Guy Fawkes on November 5 and New Year’s Eve on December 31.
Benoni SPCA inspector Renee Rossolimos advised pet owners to get tranquillisers for their animals from vets.
She added that pets should be kept inside the house.
“When keeping your dogs and cats inside the house, put on some music or a television set,” she added, explaining that these drown out a portion of the sound of fireworks.
Rossolimos said that a comfort zone should be reserved for animals inside the house, such as an empty cupboard.
“I found that this helps, because they might feel traumatised, even if they are inside the house,” she added.
The SPCA is purely a society for the prevention of cruelty to animals and Rossolimos reminded the public that they cannot act against the action of fireworks being lit.
The illegal setting off of fireworks should be reported to the EMPD.
EMPD media liaison officer Wilfred Kgasago said that, for setting off fireworks in residential areas, a permit must be applied for at the nearest EMPD Precinct.
“For public displays, permission has to be sought with SAPS,” he added.
With regard to businesses dealing in fireworks, EMS must ensure that they are stored and displayed in a safe fashion in the shops.
Kgasago said it is a very difficult offence to enforce and, thus, the law enforcers rely heavily on the members of public to report transgressions, which can be done on 011 458 0911, at any time.
The enforcement of illegal setting off of fireworks is provided for in terms of EMPD disturbance of peace and Gauteng noise control regulations.
“We hope that people out there will conduct themselves responsibly when setting off fireworks, by being considerate to their neighbours, ensuring close supervision of children, as well as ensuring that pets (domestic animals) are not traumatised,” added Kgasago.
The Benoni SPCA will be on standby during such festivities and can be contacted on 011 894 2814/5, or on the emergency number 073 511 2261 — which is only to be used at night time.
The EMPD disturbance of peace and Gauteng noise control regulations are:
- Section 42. Disturbance of the peace
(2) No person shall discharge fireworks without the prior written consent of the council, and such written consent shall hereafter be called a “Fireworks permit”.
Such “Fireworks permit” will be readily available at the event and produced on request by an authorised officer.
Any person failing to do so shall be guilty of an offence.
The penalty is a fine of R2 000.
- Gauteng Noise Control (Health and Environmental Health)
Regulation 9(d)
A penalty will be given for the discharge of fireworks in a residential area in a manner which may cause a noise nuisance.
Offenders will be liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding R20 000.
