Two Boksburg pet owners are devastated after the horrific consequences of fireworks, set off to ring in the New Year, had on their pets.
Jarrod Falconer lost Xeena, a 13-year-old female Labrador, while Francois Botha’s three-year-old female dachshund, Kisses, is still missing.
Jarrod’s beloved pet had to be euthanised on January 4 due to injuries the animal suffered because she was so afraid of the loud bangs.
“I was away on holiday. The person caring for my dogs informed me about an incident regarding Xeena. From what I understand, she was frightened by the fireworks and tried to find a place to hide. She found a hiding spot by a stack of ladders, got stuck and somehow broke her back.”
Jarrod said it was difficult for him to pick up the pieces as Xeena was the first dog he got for himself.
“It’s understandable that people want to celebrate the new year, that you need to think about others as well,” he said.
Meanwhile, Francois is distraught at the fact that Kisses is still missing.
“The fireworks in Tim Street were terrible. People fired them off right in front of houses and it upset the animals,” he said.
He explained that Kisses was last seen last week at ERPM Golf Course but nobody has been able to catch her.
“We don’t know if she is still there because we haven’t seen her again. I truly hope we find her. My wife is also extremely upset about Kisses being missing,” said Francois.
Anybody who knows anything about the whereabouts of Kisses may contact him on 071 859 1995.
SPCA
The Boksburg SPCA has condemned the use of fireworks.
According to manager Vicky Finnemore, the society is still dealing with the repercussions of this use of fireworks to celebrate New Year.
“It sounded like a war zone in Boksburg this year! Some people’s CCTV footage went to day mode because of the sheer volume of fireworks being let off.
“These fireworks do not only affect domestic animals but also farm and wild animals and birds,” said Finnemore.
She vehemently objected to fireworks sold on the main roads of Boksburg, including Rondebult and North Rand roads.
“The SPCA is not authorised to confiscate fireworks. Law enforcement can only do it,” Finnemore said.
Tips from the SPCA if your pet is missing:
• Check in with local SPCAs and fill in a lost pet form.
• Physically go to the SPCA to see whether your animal is there as the SPCA descriptions of animals can differ from that of owners.
• If you find a stray dog, take it to your local SPCA, as that is where people look for their pets.
• Post a photo of your pet on local lost and found groups with all the details of your pet.
• Put up posters at supermarkets and shopping centres.
Bylaws
According to the City of Ekurhuleni, it is illegal to sell and set off fireworks without the necessary permission.
Businesses have to apply for a licence at the SAPS’s Explosives Unit, which also goes to the metro’s emergency services and EMPD.
An application must be made to the EMPD for permission for residents who want to set off fireworks. This is to ensure that fireworks are used in a safe manner and will not constitute a fire hazard.
Businesses selling fireworks without a certificate of registration will receive a spot fine, with an additional fine for any other fire safety violations found.
People using fireworks without approval can also receive a spot fine.
Furthermore, businesses are warned against illegally advertising fireworks on traffic signs and pavements, including deploying people at intersections and pavements to illegally sell these fireworks.
To report the disturbance of peace, contact the Ekurhuleni metro call centre on 0860 543 000.
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