Fireworks: tips to keep your pets safe

Diwali will be celebrated on Sunday, November 3, and Guy Fawkes Day on Tuesday, November 5.

Both celebrations include the lighting of fireworks.

The local society had provided the following tips for pet owners:

* More family pets will run away from home during holidays involving fireworks than any other days of the year.

As a precautionary measure in case your pets are frightened and run away, make sure your animals have identification tags or microchips to ensure that they are returned safely when they are found.

* If possible, stay home with your animals if you suspect fireworks fiends are about

* If you can’t be home with your animals, keep them inside.

Make sure that your pets have access to their favourite “safe place” or find a quiet, comfortable, enclosed room where your pets can “hide” if they need to.

Ensure that they cannot break through a window or slip out of a door.

* Attempt to mask any noise by drawing curtains and playing calming music at a reasonable volume

* Put familiar and comforting things around them such as toys, baskets etc

* Provide them with something to do such as giving your dog a chewy bone or lots of catnip or a catnip toy for felines.

* If your pets do react badly to fireworks, then seek professional advice from your veterinarian ahead of time

* Why not ensure your pets have a hearty and nutritious meal around nightfall.

This will make them more likely to be sleepy!

The society has also reminded residents that written permission must be obtained from the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality for any use of fireworks.

The non-compliance with these by-laws may result in an offence, and is punishable with a fine and/or imprisonment.

Members of the public may lay complaints regarding  people using fireworks and they can submit their complaints directly to the municipality for investigation.

For more information contact the Brakpan SPCA on 011 742 2007.