Some zoophilists (animal lovers) dread the festive season, especially as Christmas and New Year draw nearer. This is when the “annual illegal noise and consequent animal terror” also occurs.

Every year, different cultures across the world light various fireworks as part of their celebrations. Whether it’s for Diwali, Christmas or New Year, the skies are illuminated in all sorts of colours. This may be fun to do and beautiful to see, but it is very harmful to animals, both domestic and in the wild.

Errol van Niekerk, the manager at Potchefstroom Animal Welfare Society (Paws), says cats and dogs have very sensitive hearing. The bang of the lit firecrackers is too loud for the animals. As a result, they start panicking. The fear, anxiety and stress instilled in them lead to abnormal behaviour. They could get caught between burglar bars or run into the streets, which puts them at risk of being hit by traffic. “They can also break through windows if they’re in a house. It’s sometimes hectic. Animals often hurt themselves when they try and break through fences,” says Van Niekerk.