Tips on keeping pets safe, and what to do if they go missing during fireworks
It's common for dogs to feel anxious or scared during fireworks. The Kloof and Highway SPCA offer tips to help reduce the amount of stress your pets experience.
AS fireworks season approaches, the Kloof and Highway SPCA appeals to the community to prepare for this and for pet owners to take steps to protect their pets.
SPCA’s Brigitte Ferguson said the loud bangs, which very often accompany fireworks, cause animals great distress, fear and suffering as their hearing is far more acute than that of human beings.
“The loud bangs lead to some animals causing injury to themselves such as jumping through glass windows or over spiked fences or by running into traffic.”
Also read: The dangers of fireworks and children
Ferguson emphasised that the SPCA does not enforce the laws relating 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 Diwali fireworks between specified times,” said Ferguson.
She appealed to everyone celebrating Diwali to use those 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.
Metro can be contacted on 031 311 6000. Stray and lost animals can be brought through to the Kloof and Highway SPCA standby kennels 24 hours a day.
Also read: Be fashionable this Diwali!
For any lost pets, contact our reception on 031 764 1212 from 08:00 – 15:00, Monday to Friday, and 08:00 – 12:00 on Saturday.
For any animals in distress, animal welfare concerns, animal cruelty complaints or unwanted animals, please contact the Kloof & Highway SPCA Inspectorate during office hours on (031) 764 1212 or email controller@kloofspca.co.za or for after-hours emergencies, phone 073 335 9322.
To help reduce the amount of stress your pets experience during this ‘fireworks season’, the SPCA has offered some advice:
– Ensure that your animals have some form of identity, for example, a collar and tag, with your contact details on the tag, and/or microchip. Microchipping can be done by your local vet or contact us on 031 764 1212/3 to get your pet microchipped.
– If your pets are particularly frightened of fireworks, staying at home with your pets would mean that you would be there to comfort them. Alternatively try to ensure that someone is able to watch them for you or 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.
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