Fireworks not so festive for animals

Animal lovers and emergency services staff are reminding the public that fireworks are dangerous and frightening to animals.

National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals officer Keshvi Nair said: “We implore the public to refrain from using fireworks and those who own pets need to prepare well in advance to protect their beloved companions.

Animal shelter

“Many animals end up running away to try and get away or hide from the fireworks, which results in them being lost. Some animals run onto the road and are at the mercy of the traffic.

“There have even been cases of animals that have jumped through windows and injured themselves severely in their attempt to flee from the fireworks.”

Nair said it was not only companion animals that were affected but also wild animals and farm animals. “The use of lanterns is not recommended due to the aftermath of animals getting trapped in the wires,” she said.

Nair said the SPCA was open 24/7 for unwanted or stray animals and to deal with emergencies.

Tshwane Emergency Medical Services spokesperson Charles Mabaso said fireworks were a fire risk and explosive.

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“They also may cause injury if mishandled and inappropriately used. Residents must be aware that the dealing and handling of fireworks is regulated by the Explosives Act and the City of Tshwane fire by-laws and, as such, may be enforced by the Tshwane Metro Police or the SA Police Service.”

Fireworks authorisation

Mabaso said authorisation to discharge fireworks in a designated area must have been obtained prior.

“Every year we remind residents to be mindful of the trauma fireworks pose to some pets and that to ensure pets are not adversely affected,” he said.

Wollies Animal Shelter founder Cilla Trexler said: “It gets worse every year. People don’t have money for food but they have money for crackers and fireworks.”

Trexler said animals arrive injured at Wollies after new year celebrations.

“The best is to get a calming medication for the animals. Or put your music loud to distract them and keep them safe indoors with the windows closed.

“Some animals get such a fright they climb through burglar bars and injure themselves,” she said.

Trexler said a dog was brought in with four fractured legs due to fireworks last year.

“We have been called to free dogs stuck on palisades that tried to jump over fences.”