Fireworks spark social media outrage
Various social media platforms were 'lit up' by the outrage from community members opposing the use of fireworks during the annual Diwali celebrations.
OVER the last two days, social media have been flooded with outrage over the Diwali fireworks celebrations, with many likening the festivities to a ‘war zone’.
The Durban North Neighbours Facebook page was particularly used by the public to air their grievances. Tensions soon mounted as animal activists and pro-firework members clashed over their differences in opinion.
One of the posts shared by Durban North resident and founder of the page, Kerry Haylett, read: “What the hell is happening with the fireworks? Tonight is the worst we have had in years.”
Speaking to the Northglen News, Haylett said she and fellow residents were fed up with the noise pollution and devastation caused by the fireworks. She added that she and the other anti-firework members of the group would now be petitioning to have fireworks permanently banned from the area.
“It is not the fireworks that I have a problem with. I think fireworks are stunning. It is the noise that upsets me. I was prepared for the fireworks, but even I got a fright from the noise. What about the animals, children with autism and war veterans with post-traumatic stress order? How are they suppose to cope?” asked the irate resident.
The trauma caused to animals, children and elderly was unacceptable, she said.
But according to the Durban and Coast SPCA, there was a drastic drop in distressed animals being brought into their care. Lindsey Fogarty, marketing assistant, confirmed that five dogs in total were brought in on Wednesday night. “Two were brought in by members of the public and three were collected by our inspectors. None of them were injured but all were terrified,” she said.
Fogarty added that on Thursday morning, inspectors were called out to a rescue involving a trapped and traumatised dog in Chatsworth. Thought to have been petrified by the fireworks, it crawled in between two walls, where it got stuck.
“The dog had an injury on its paw. The inspector proceeded to break the wall in order to rescue the dog. The dog was rescued and re-united with its owners,” she said.
On the following day, seven other dogs and five cats were brought to the SPCA. Two of the dogs had been struck by cars, she said. Haylett attributed the decline to the continuous education among animal-lovers and owners with regards to pet safety.
The Umhlanga Hindu Society was not available for comment at the time of publication.
Related articles:
Fireworks leave scores of animals homeless
