Umjindi Municipality forbid the use of fireworks

The shooting of fireworks in the Umjindi municipal area is illegal.

For several years the SPCA has brought the disastrous effects of the discharging of fireworks to the attention of both the authorities and the public.

The Barberton SPCA has welcomed the passing of a by-law by the Umjindi Municipality which makes the shooting of fireworks within the local municipal boundaries an unlawful act.

This was promulgated as one of the Street By-laws in the Provincial Gazette Extraordinary, Volume 22, No 2476 of
June 4, 2015.

Section 40 reads as follows:
Discharge of fireworks prohibited
(1) No person shall in any street or public place or any private property within the Umjindi Local Municipality discharge any fireworks without the explicit written approval of the Chief: Public Safety.
(2) Any person who fails to comply with the provisions of subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding R2 000 or in default of payment to imprisonment for a period not exceeding three months or to both such fine and imprisonment.
(3) Any person contravening subsection (1) may admit guilt by paying an amount not exceeding R500.

Umjindi now joins the ranks of most major cities in South Africa where fireworks have been banned.
This will certainly alleviate a lot of stress and heartache for the SPCA volunteers, come New Year’s Eve celebrations, where in the past they have had many cases of terrified animals injuring themselves.
Some are killed in traffic and others are lost for days in trying to escape the terror of the explosions, due to their sensitive hearing.

Beeld newspaper recently printed an article on the phobia many animals have when confronted by loud noises such as thunder or fireworks, and that owners of pets must be aware of it. This not only applies to dogs and cats, but all animals, including birds and wildlife.

The SPCA says that it does not want residents to feel they have have been deprived of having fun because of this by-law, but rather that they are contributing to doing good to creatures which cannot speak for themselves.
Another benefit is that the by-law will prevent any person, especially children, from sustaining injuries from fireworks.
Fireworks in South Africa are controlled in terms of the Explosives Act, 1956 (Act No 26 of 1956) and the regulations issued in terms of this act.

One of the conditions is that no fireworks may be sold by a street hawker or vendor, at a flea market, out of the boot of a vehicle or trailer, or from a spaza shop.
“We trust that our local branch of the SAPS will be extra vigilant this season, they did sterling work last year and their cooperation in this regard is welcomed and appreciated,” stated the SPCA.
The SPCA has appealled to everyone not to give live animals, especially puppies or kittens, as Christmas presents.
“To own an animal is a commitment you make for many years, and the decision to get a pet must not be taken lightly.
There is food, veterinary costs and sterilisation to consider.”
“With the very warm weather we are experiencing, please make sure your animals have shade and plenty of fresh water – they feel the heat as much as we do.

Dogs that are chained must especially be looked after as shade might not be available the whole day and they need to be moved.
Do not leave any animal in a parked vehicle in the sun, they can die.
If you still need to board your pet during the holidays, please contact Dave at the SPCA kennels or contact 082-462-1457 to make an appointment.”

Early in the new year, the SPCA is going to join forces with Regiment Botha in combating poaching in our area.
There are many snares all around Umjindi and wildlife as well as, dogs and cattle, have been snared.
This causes a lot of unnecessary suffering and the SPCA is compelled under the Animals Protection Act to prevent and alleviate any animal’s suffering.

Any landowner who is experiencing a problem with snares on his property and would like to be assisted in their removal, is requested to contact Marlies Liebenberg, at marliesliebenberg@gmail.com or on
083-897-3292.
There is a need to compile a list of areas where the regimental soldiers can be deployed, but this will need the permission of the landowner plus details of the property where the sweep is to be done. This is one of the many ways the regiment gives back to the community.

“The SPCA wishes to thank our community for their support over the past year and looks forward to the year ahead to serve the animals.
They urge everyone to look after their pets and wish all our residents a blessed and joyous Christmas season and a new year that is filled with only the best for both man and beast.”