CROW has appealed to residents to consider both domestic and wild animals before launching fireworks as the year-end festivities and festivals nears.
Paul Hoyte, Director of CROW, said, when it comes to domestic animals, people can easily stock up on rescue or other vet approved sedatives to assist their pets through this traumatic time.
“What we have got to realise is that our wildlife is exposed throughout this season. Over the years we have seen a spike in CROW admissions directly after an evening of fireworks, resulting in baby animals being unnecessarily orphaned – particularly common among nesting birds and small mammals, frighten animals flee from the safety of their dens/nests in confusion created by the noise pollution of firework displays,” explained Hoyte.
He said it’s not just the young animals which will be affected by displays.
“For birds, the panic created can cause them to become disorientated, leading to them flying into trees and buildings, and on the grounds animals running in fear are known to have fled onto roads – causing them to be hit by passing vehicles.
“In order to try and limit the number of animals which are forced to endure fireworks, the CROW team is asking people to not hold private firework displays. The centre is also calling for those displays which will be going ahead to focus on using low-noise fireworks in order to minimise the impact their event will have on the local wildlife,” said Hoyte.
He asked people to rather focus on the light aspect of the displays and not the loud explosions.
“Kwazulu-Natal boasts a high level of biodiversity, which is something we should collectively protect by making a few sacrifices in order to live harmoniously with all living organisms,” added Hoyte.
