WITH Hindus from around the world preparing to celebrate Diwali in early November the eThekwini Municiaplity has urged residents to exercise caution and adhere to the municipal by-laws.
This week, the Municipality reminded residents to be cautious when using fireworks.
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In a statement, the City’s head of communications Mandla Nsele urged anyone using fireworks to do so in accordance with the law.
“It shall be unlawful for any person to set off, discharge or explode any fireworks on any street, on private place other than on a lot of a private dwelling or property and only with the knowledge and consent of the occupant or owner and subject to other conditions hereunder,” said Nsele.
In previous years this time of the year has seen an influx of lost and traumatised dogs scurrying to escape the big bangs.
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He added that if there is any complaints about fireworks, as the City- it is their duty to attend to the matter.
“In the case of a fireworks complaint, a Metro Police official will attend to the complaint and a warning is given to the transgressor and on second call-out, a Summons is issued for appearance in court on a specific date, or payment of the indicated fine before appearance date,” he added.
Tips for pet owners:
-Ensure that your pets are indoors
-It is suggested that the pet owners remain at home during fireworks activity
-If, however, they are unable to do so, they should book a boarding kennel or arrange for a house sitter
-Switch on the radio or television to drown out the noise
-Owners should behave normal
-Feed your pet a nice warm meal a few hours before the fireworks are set to start. A full tummy will have it feeling happy and sleepy
-Take your pet for a walk to tire him or her out
-Ensure that your pet has adequate identification, such as a collar or microchip ID, incase he or she gets lost
-Homeopathic and sedative drugs can be given to animals who are especially terrified by fireworks
-It is suggested that pet owners take their pets to the vet for a consult before attempting to use sedatives
-Owners can also take their dogs for training to desensitize them to noises
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