The Randfontein SPCA says that they have once again been overrun with complaints about people setting off fireworks over the Festive Season.
According to SPCA inspector Janette Muller, at least two dog were injured and a number of other animals were scared out of their wits by the loud bangs of fireworks throughout Randfontein.
“Most of the problems arose over New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day,” says Muller.
“It is quite disturbing to witness the kind of disregard that people seem to have toward animals.
“We had our hands full with calls about animals being frightened by firecrackers.
She adds that although many were not injured physically, it does not take away from the fact that they were emotionally scarred during this time and had to be given calming pills.
According to Muller, one of the dogs that was injured during this time was frightened and tried to jump into the house through a window to escape the loud bangs of firecrackers.
The dog became stuck in the burglar bars.
“It took us over an hour to get the dog loose without causing more injuries to it.
“The window was broken, but luckily, besides for a few cuts, the dog did not suffer any serious injuries.
She adds that in a separate incident, a dog had to be euthanised after it tried to squeeze through a palisade fence to escape the firecrackers.
“I urge people to be constantly considerate towards animals.
“We discourage animal cruelty of any kind.
“Discharging firecrackers near to dogs are cruel as they are very sensitive to the loud bangs made by crackers,” says Muller.
