AS Christmas and year end festivities approach, so does the fireworks season.
The Kloof and Highway SPCA appeal to the community to prepare and to take steps to protect their pets.
“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, public relations and outreach officer at the Kloof and Highway SPCA.
“We would like to offer some advice that will help reduce the amount of stress your pets experiences over this period,” she added.
The SPCA shared these tips:
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 first prize. Alternatively, ensure someone is able to watch them for you or keep your pets inside and 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 who may also suffer, and to abide by the laws and regulations pertaining to the use of fireworks,” Gadd said.
Stray and lost animals can be taken to the Kloof and Highway SPCA standby kennels 24-hours a day.
For injured animals or emergencies contact 031 764 1212/3 during office hours or 073 335 9322 after hours.
