Protect pets from Guy Fawkes bangs
Four useful tips to help ensure your animals remain safe on Guy Fawkes.
THE fireworks season is nearing its end and the Kloof and Highway SPCA urge the community to prepare and take steps to protect their pets during Guy Fawkes tonight.
“The loud bangs, which very often accompany fireworks cause animals great distress, fear and suffering as their hearing is far more acute than ours. Some animals cause injury to themselves by jumping through glass windows, over spiked fences or by running into traffic as examples,” said Lisa Gadd, PR and outreach officer at the Kloof and Highway SPCA.
Tips to help reduce the amount of stress your pets experience:
1. Ensure that your animals have some form of identity, for example a collar and tag or microchip.
2. If your pets are particularly frightened of fireworks, staying at home with your pets would be the best plan of action. If leaving home is unavoidable, ensure someone is able to watch them for you. Alternatively, keep your pets inside, draw the curtains and play calming music.
3. Entertain your pets by giving them something to chew on or play with. Catnip is a great idea for cats.
4. Consult your vet or local SPCA for calming medication.
“We appeal to everyone to be considerate of animals, their neighbours and community members and to abide by the laws and regulations pertaining to the use of fireworks,” said Gadd.
Stray and lost animals can be taken to the Kloof and Highway SPCA’s standby kennels 24 hours a day. For injured animals or emergencies please call 031 764 1212/3 during office hours or 073 335 9322 after hours. The SPCA will have inspectors on standby.
