Keep your pets safe this fireworks season
The Kloof and Highway SPCA has urged all pet owners to take the necessary precautionary measures to ensure their pets remain safe during the fireworks season.
THE fireworks season is upon us and the Kloof and Highway SPCA has urged the community to prepare for this and to take necessary steps to protect their pets.
The Kloof and Highway SPCA’s manager, Barbara Patrick said the loud bangs that very often accompany fireworks cause animals great distress, fear and suffering as their hearing is far more acute than that of a human.
ALSO READ: Follow fireworks by-laws or face hefty fines, warns Metro police
“Some animals cause injury to themselves by jumping through glass windows, over spiked fences or by running into traffic,” said Patrick.
The SPCA noted that it did not enforce the City’s bylaws that relate to the use of fireworks.
“The Explosives Act is enforced by the SAPS, to whom matters of concern need to be reported. This Act covers the sale of fireworks as well as issues relating to the discharge of fireworks in public places. Local bylaws regulate the discharge of fireworks on private property.
“In some municipalities permits are required, in other areas there is dispensation for fireworks between specified times. We appeal to everyone celebrating to use fireworks without the loud bags, to be considerate of animals, their neighbours and community members who may also suffer and to abide by the laws and regulations pertaining to the use of fireworks,” said Patrick.
ALSO READ: Kloof SPCA still reeling after weekend of fireworks
Metro can be contacted on 031 311 6000. Stray and lost animals can be taken to the Kloof and Highway SPCA’s standby kennels 24 hours a day.
For any lost pets, contact the NPO’s reception on 031 764 1212 from 08:00 to15:00 from Monday to Friday, and from 08:00 to 12:00 on Saturday.
For any animals in distress, animal welfare concerns, animal cruelty complaints or unwanted animals, contact the Kloof and Highway SPCA inspectorate, during office hours, on 031 764 1212, alternatively email controller@kloofspca.co.za or, for after-hours emergencies, contact 073 335 9322.
Reduce the amount of stress pets experience during the fireworks season:
- Ensure that your animals has some form of identity tracker, for example a collar and tag with the owner’s contact details on the tag, and/or microchip.
- If your pets are particularly frightened of fireworks, stay at home with your pets. Alternatively, try and ensure that someone is able to watch them for you.
- Keep your pets inside, draw the curtains and play calming music or the radio.
- Entertain your pets by giving them something to chew on or play with, catnip is a great idea for cats.
- Consult your vet or local SPCA for calming medication. Do not give medication intended for humans to animals.
Take notes of the dates for the fireworks season:
- Diwali – Thursday, November 4
- Guy Fawkes – Friday, November 5
- New Year – Friday, December 31
* Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news
Dear reader, As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19. Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).
