Pet Care Corner: Know your rights when it comes to fireworks

This usually leads to an influx of animals into the SPCA kennels.

A lot of us aren’t well informed about our rights when it comes to the topic of fireworks.

The Boksburg SPCA manager, Maggie Mudd, tells us more about it.

Do fireworks fall under any law or act?
Yes, there is an Act called the Explosives Act 26 of 1956 and this is an Act that applies nationwide to everyone.

What does this Act say?

* That no person under the age of 16 may handle or use fireworks without the supervision of an adult.

* That it is unlawful to set off any fireworks in any building or public place without first obtaining the written permission of local authorities.

* That no person may have a display of fireworks on any premises without the written permission of the Chief Inspector of Explosives and that this permission will state the conditions under which the fireworks can be set off. Any non-compliance with this is a criminal offence.

Who enforces this Act?

The Explosives Act is enforced by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and not the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). Any offences must be reported to the nearest SAPS.

Can I set fireworks off on my own property?

This is governed by the local by-laws and in some areas no fireworks at all can be set off at any time without the written permission of the local authorities, but in other areas you can set off fireworks on your property on specific dates and between certain times.

Selling fireworks

It is important to know that anyone selling fireworks has to be in possession of a current licence that is issued by the Chief Inspector of the Department of Explosives and no one can sell fireworks on the side of the road. They must be locked away in a cabinet or kept under a shop counter within a licensed shop.

What must I do if I see someone selling fireworks on the side of the road?
Report it to the SAPS immediately, as this is a violation of the law.

My animals are frightened of fireworks – what should I do?
Animals can be really traumatised by the loud bangs and whistles that are present when fireworks are set off. The most important thing is to ensure that your pet has some form of identification in case they do escape from your property and become lost. This can be a collar and an ID disc or a microchip.

What other things can I do to help calm down my scared pet?

* Try to mask the noise by shutting the curtains and turning on the television or radio louder than normal.

* Remain with them at home so that they can take comfort in your presence.

* If you cannot stay at home with your animal, then make sure that they are safe inside your property (preferably your house). Dogs have been known to jump through glass windows in an attempt to escape the noise. They also try to jump palisade fencing and many a dog has impaled itself on palisade spikes, so make sure that pets are in a safe area where they cannot hurt themselves and cannot escape.

* If you know that your pets are really traumatised by fireworks, then go to your local veterinarian beforehand and obtain tranquillisers to give to them on the night/s that you expect the noise to be the worst. New Year’s Eve, for example, is always very bad for frightened animals, as everyone sets off their fireworks in celebration.

Is it just domestic animals (cats and dogs) that can be scared of fireworks?
Most certainly not. The noises from the bangs and whistles of fireworks can frighten all animals – wild birds can fly away from nests, leaving hatchlings exposed to the elements, while pregnant farm animals (cows, sheep, goats) have been known to abort their young simply from the stress of the noise.

Are there any fines for violating the law when it comes to setting off fireworks?
In Gauteng there can be a fine of R1 500 for violating the Explosives Act 26 of 1956 and fireworks may be set off (with the granting of the correct permission) only from 11pm to 1am on New Year’s Eve. There can be a R500 fine for anyone who sets off fireworks outside of these times.
Each year the SPCA receives in many animals that have been traumatised by fireworks – especially over the New Year period – and many of these animals are injured either from escaping their property or from being knocked over after running in front of motor vehicles.
“We ask all pet owners to please make sure that their pets are kept as safe as they possibly can be over this festive period and we also ask people who are planning on setting off fireworks this year, to please be as considerate as they can towards the many animals that are in danger of being misplaced/hurt/killed by their ‘fun’ time,” said Maggie.