Get ready for ‘big bang’ period
According to the SPCA blatant animal abuse has declined during the 'big bang' period, but annually they are still inundated with thousands of displaced and traumatised animals.
WITH the annual year-end festivities looming ever closer, animal rescue organisations and pet owners are bracing themselves for yet another troublesome period.
The New Year celebrations as well as the Hindu festival of lights have, in the past, been marred by blatant acts of animal cruelty as well as thousands of displaced and traumatised animals. This despite the city’s bid to curb the rampant use of loud bangs that send both canines and felines, with their acute sense of hearing, into a frenzy.
Last year Mayor, Cllr James Nxumalo said that citizens should ’embrace and celebrate’ their cultural heritage and diversity, but urged them to do so while being considerate of animals and their neighbours.
The current municipal by-laws permit residents to set off fireworks only on the day of Diwali until 10pm, along with several other conditions. Residents are allowed to light low-hazard fireworks, such as sparklers and fountains, at their private residences, but ‘noisy’ or ‘nuisance’ fireworks, such as air bombs, fountain whistles and screeches, are not permitted.
However, Lindsey Fogarty of the Durban and Coast SPCA relieved some of the doom and gloom tension when she revealed that animal cruelty during the festive period had decreased over the last three years.
“The aftermath is still a major issue for us. We still see hundreds of displaced and traumatised animals flood into our care during this time of the year, but we have definitely seen fewer acts of animal cruelty,” she said. Fogarty urged pet owners to microchip their pets as it would ensure that they are reunited with their missing companions.
Interestingly, Fogarty said that the majority of animals flood in during the month of December.
“People keep displaced animals that they come across, hoping to reuinite them with their owners. And then when the Christmas period arrives and people prepare for holiday trips they bring the animals to the SPCA as a last resort,” she said.
Fogarty urged the community to bring such animals to the SPCA as soon as possible. “By the December period the owners of the missing pets have already given up hope and wouldn’t think to come to the SPCA after such an extended period, and so the likelihood of them being reunited is slim,” she said.
On the night of Diwali – Wednesday, 11 November – the majority of the SPCA staff, including inspectors and hospital staff, will be on duty to assist with injured and displaced animals.
- TO report an injured or stray animal, contact the SPCA emergency line on 083 212 6103, or to report illegal fireworks, contact 031 560 8000.
Tips for pet owners:
– On the night keep them in a confined room with the doors, windows and curtains closed
– It is suggested that the pet owners remain at home during the firework celebrations
– Switch on the radio or television to drown out the noise
– Herbal medication, not sedatives, can be given to animals to help them remain calm. These can be bought at the SPCA or local veterinary clinics. Administration should begin a week before Diwali
Related articles:
Durban North resident appeals: No loud bangs
Traumatised pets wait to be reclaimed
