Ashley pet injured by firework

A DOG in Ashley had to have jaw surgery following a freak accident involving a firecracker.

A staff member, who wishes to remain anonymous, at Pinelands Pet Animal Clinic, where the dog was being treated, said they wanted to warn pet owners to be aware as fireworks season is upon us.

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“Every year, we hear devastatingly horrific stories involving fireworks and animals.”

According to the worker, what happened to the dog was not intentional; it was a terrible accident. “Children were playing with fireworks, and the dog picked it up – it exploded in the dog’s mouth – it blew through the nasal cavity,” explained the staff member.

She said when the dog was brought to them, they had to stabilise it first before operating. “It was such a sad thing as the dog will have to be fed on soft food and will be in pain for a while. We are just glad that we were able to save it and it is recovering. Some of the animals never get help, and they are left to suffer.

“We appeal to the public to be careful with fireworks,” she said.

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.

Kloof and Highway SPCA’s Janine Kyle has urged the community to prepare for this and to take necessary steps to protect their pets. Kyle 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 humans.

“Some animals cause injury to themselves by jumping through glass windows, over spiked fences or by running into traffic,” she said.

The SPCA noted that it did not enforce the City’s by-laws 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 by-laws regulate the discharge of fireworks on private property.

“In some municipalities, permits are required; in other areas, there is a dispensation for fireworks between specified times. We appeal to everyone celebrating to use fireworks without the loud bangs, 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 Kyle.

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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 to 15:00 on 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, or alternatively email controller@kloofspca.co.za. For after-hours emergencies, contact 073 335 9322.

Reduce the amount of stress pets experience during the fireworks season:

– Ensure that your animals have some form of identity tracker, for example, a collar and tag with the owner’s contact details 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.