The festive season is a joyous time but it is equally as deadly when fireworks are involved.
Two committed citizens, Taryn Coghlan and Sharon Pettigrew started a petition against the abuse of fireworks on the West Rand as a result of this. They have subsequently started a group called Community Against Fireworks.
They believe the festive season should be enjoyed by all and should not exclude animals, or infants as these are who feel the repercussions of firework abuse the most.
The petition started on 9 September of this year and was presented at the Fairland police station to the Community Police Forum (CPF). The two have since received 9 000 signatures and have reached citizens as far as Cape Town and have had a fun walk called the Animals in Distress Walk.
They now urge Randfontein residents to get involved by requesting the petition, signing it, and exposing firework abuse in their community.
The pair do not have their petition on Facebook like many other organisations as they feel a signature on paper has more of an impact on the person signing. What they have done is worked in and through the community to inform other communities.
Coghlan says that the period between October and December is the most dangerous as people do not only use fireworks more but are also more under the influence of alcohol.
Cohglan angrily states that there are laws against being under the influence of alcohol because it is dangerous but there are no laws against using fireworks and being the under the influence which can be just as dangerous.
To get involved with the cause, request a copy of the petition from Taryn Coghlan on 082 336 2190 or email her on taryn.coghlan@vip.co.za.
