It’s fireworks season – act responsibly, warns Metro SAPS
"Fireworks are to be used in a responsible and considerate manner with due respect for neighbours and the welfare of animals.”
RESIDENTS are urged to remember the importance of using fireworks responsibly as well as adhering to eThekwini Municipality by-laws ahead of the Diwali celebrations this week.
Metro Police Acting Head Steve Middleton said the City respects and appreciates the different religions and cultural practices in eThekwini, adding that according to city by-laws, Diwali is categorised as a religious and cultural day.
ALSO READ: Heed city’s fireworks bylaws
“As much as we understand that it is a time for celebration, fireworks are to be used in a responsible and considerate manner with due respect for neighbours and the welfare of animals,” he said.
Middleton said any fireworks that are classified in the Explosives Act No. 26 of 1956 as 1.3 are to be discharged by a qualified pyro technician and that only ordinary shop-bought fireworks are permitted for use by ordinary residents.
He said residents need to adhere to laws that state no person must allow or permit any child under the age of 16 years to handle or use fireworks, except under the supervision of an adult, and no person shall ignite, discharge or explode any fireworks on any public road, residence, or private dwelling without the knowledge and consent of the occupant or owner of the property.
“It is unlawful for any person to point or direct a firework at any person, animal, building or motor vehicle where such firework is in the process of exploding or detonating. No person shall light or detonate fireworks in any place where animals are kept and no person may terrify, cause stress or endanger the life of any animal with fireworks or by any other means,” he said.
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No retail dealer is allowed to sell fireworks to the public other than the consumer fireworks, which contains low hazard and no person may use any fireworks other than the consumer fireworks in any residence except on approved days.
These are currently Diwali, Guy Fawkes and 31 December from 11.45pm until 12.15am.
Middleton urged residents to report non-compliance to Metro Police on 031 361 0000.
Lindsey Concer from Durban and Coast SPCA said October marks the start of the fireworks season that runs all the way through to New Year’s Eve.
“During this time the SPCA experiences a rise in number of stray animals coming through our doors, and lost reports from worried pet owners start to pour in,” she said.
How to keep your pets safe during the fireworks season:
· Keep them indoors in a familiar room.
· Close the windows and curtains.
· Have the TV or radio on to muffle the sound.
· Stay in the room with them and act normally. Pets react to your emotions, so if you are calm, they will feel calm.
· Give them something to do, such as a chewy bone to munch on or catnip toys for cats.
· Get a herbal calming medication for your pet. This is most effective when started a week prior to the expected fireworks. They are available to purchase at your local SPCA or vet.
“Have your pets microchipped and please make the SPCA your first port of call should you find a lost or stray animal or if you have lost your pet. Animals are kept at the SPCA for seven days before they are put up for adoption. If your pet has gone missing, please ensure to visit your local SPCA’s within the 7 day time frame” she said.
