THE fireworks that were used during the New Year celebrations have once again caused major distress to pets and their owners across the Highway area.
According to Barbara Patrick, the manager of the Kloof and Highway SPCA, residents reported that the fireworks were especially loud and distressing in Hillcrest, Waterfall and Pinetown.
“It is frustrating that some residents did not comply with times designated for setting off fireworks. People were suppose to only set off fireworks 15 minutes before and after 12pm, but some residents told us that they experienced fireworks being used from 8pm to 2am. This makes it difficult for residents with animals to maintain and keep their pets safe,” said Patrick.
Patrick also reported that from Tuesday 31 December to Thursday 2 January, 39 dogs and one cat were brought to the SPCA. “Another concern is that 20 people have reported that their dogs had gone missing, but the animals were not brought into the SPCA,” said Patrick.
She also reported that 13 residents phoned the SPCA to report that they had found lost animals and would keep them until the owners could claim them. The good Samaritans left their contact details and the descriptions of the lost animals with the SPCA.
“The good news is that eight families were reunited with their lost pets on New Year’s Day and an additional seven were reunited on 2 January,” said Patrick.
The Kloof and Highway SPCA staff are appealing to residents to come and claim their lost pets, as they are still running low on kennel space.
Staff at the SPCA also urge residents to microchip their pets, as it helps them reunite lost pets with their owners. “We discovered that one micro-chipped dog that was brought into the SPCA went missing in the Free State on New Year’ Day. Thanks to the microchip we were able to contact the owner and arrangements are currently being made to get the dog back home,” said Patrick.
Metro Police spokesman, Senior Superintendent Eugene Msomi, confirmed that residents were only allowed to set off fireworks from 11.45 on 31 December to 12.15am on 1 January. He also reported that residents who set off nuisance fireworks, the ones that cause the loud bangs and screeching noises, are breaking the law.
“Nuisance fireworks do not comply with the state’s bylaws. People who do not comply can face a fine up to R1,500. On Guy Fawks and Diwali people will be allowed to set off fire works, except for the nuisance fireworks,” said Supt Msomi.
