Society for Animals in Distress says horses suffer because of fireworks

The Society for Animals in Distress has expressed disappointment following the New Year’s Eve fireworks that led to eight horses breaking out of their holdings and suffering physical and mental injury.

Equine manager at the organisation Marizda Kruger explained that during the New Year’s festivities, fireworks were launched from complexes around the organisation’s farm for approximately 45 minutes.

She added that a few of the fireworks that were launched reached the area above the farm which caused the horses major distress. The horses were running and slipping in the farm with one group of eight horses breaking the fence in their holding and running around on the asphalt grounds.

She added that the horses perceived a threat and attempted to escape. “Horses are not designed to experience a rush of adrenaline for such prolonged periods, so when they do, they become catatonic. You also cannot tranquillise the horses because it doesn’t remove the feeling of being in physical danger, but rather paralyses them while they go through this mental ordeal.”

The horses suffered lacerations as well as severe mental anguish during the fireworks. A number of other animals were also affected including a rabbit that is suspected to have died due to stress caused by the fireworks.

Kruger said, “I understand that the community uses fireworks in order celebrate but there needs to be compassion for other sentient beings. I don’t know how you can have 30 minutes of joy with the concern of others.”

The society has begun a process of identifying the complexes involved and gathering affidavits from residents in the Vorna Valley community in order to investigate those who were launching fireworks in order to prosecute.

Ward 132 councillor Annette Deppe said, “This year, because of Covid-19, there were far less fireworks in our ward than other years. But there were still a lot, and we did receive complaints. I urge body corporates of complexes to host a meeting on these issues as to whether they will ban fireworks in their complexes.”

She added, “They need to write and define the rules in accordance with the City of Johannesburg’s by-laws regarding fireworks. No complex trustee can take an individual homeowner on with a fine if it’s not written in their rules.”

Details: Society for Animals in Distress www.animalsindistress.org.za