Midrand CPF offers advice on how to take care of your pets near fireworks
MIDRAND – The Midrand Community Police Forum wishes everyone celebrating Diwali well, while sharing tips on how fireworks can be lit safely.
While wishing everyone well ahead of Diwali on 13 to 14 November, Midrand Community Policing Forum (CPF) has warned against the dangers of fireworks for animals in the area.
Midrand CPF has provided some tips for community members on how they could care for their animals while they or their neighbours were celebrating.
Jacqui von Loggenburg, public relations officer for Midrand CPF, said every year there were complaints of residents letting off fireworks, scaring animals in the area and not adhering to the by-laws.
Von Loggenburg added that community members could ensure that they take the necessary precautions to protect their pets. “Your local vet will give you prescription tranquilisers for your ultra-sensitive pets, but you have to take your pet for a check-up if you have not seen the vet in the last three months,” she said.
“Over-the-counter natural formulations are available which will work on most animals that get stressed by thunder and fireworks. CalmEase is about R12 per tablet. It is a natural formulation and it is difficult to overdose.”
Von Loggenburg said dog owners should remember to also put their dogs in a well-lit room and turn the television or radio on quite loud, and be home to comfort and reassure their pets.
She added that, for safety reasons, those celebrating could do so safely by avoiding residential properties and lighting the fireworks away from animals, in an open field away from petrol stations and trees.
“We would also like to appeal to the Midrand community to stay within the times and by-laws [stipulated] during these celebrations, and be mindful of their neighbours and animals in their neighbourhoods.”
