Even though South Africans have no reason to celebrate the attempted coup on British Parliament almost 500 years ago, residents still insist on celebrating Guy Fawkes with fireworks.
Remember, remember… 5 November is upon us again, and animals across the country are oblivious to the pending torture of fireworks they are set to endure tonight.
“It’s best to keep your pets inside tonight,” explained Eric Taljaard, a senior inspector at the SPCA in Maraisburg. “Tranquilise them if you have to. It’s essential to keep them calm.”
Taljaard also stated that if any stray animals are found by residents, they should contact the SPCA.
Friends of Rescued Animals spokesperson, Shayne Ephron, further appealed to the community to take animals into consideration on Guy Fawkes. “Most of the animals are scared beyond their wits by fireworks. They don’t know what to do with themselves.
“When they are that scared, they tend to act out of character and do things they wouldn’t normally do. I’ve seen animals impaled on fences from trying to jump over their fences. It’s horrific.”
Animals (dogs, cats and even horses) generally try to find shelter under which they can cower, continues Ephron, and when they can’t find something, they run away.
Community members wanting to celebrate this evening with fireworks must remember that they need a permit. If caught doing so without a permit by Metro Police, they will be charged criminally through the Ammunition and Explosives Act of 2000.
