POLOKWANE – That time of the year when a lot of celebrations are taking place is creeping up on South Africans and with it, the use of fireworks.
Some of the major celebrations underway include Diwali, Guy Fawks, Christmas and New Year
• Diwali is the Hindi Festival of Light, which this year will be celebrated on Wednesday, 11 November.
• Guy Fawkes Day, with its English roots, is still celebrated annually in South Africa on 5 November.
(These two festivals are known for the huge number of fireworks that are usually used as part of the festivities.)
According to the National Council of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), it has become increasingly evident that reckless individuals are using both events to utilise fireworks in a particularly anti-social manner.
This includes ignoring any restrictions and causing damage to property as well as terrifying communities and animals.
The SPCA does not enforce the laws relating to the use of fireworks. The regulations, both local and national, are watertight and it is illegal to sell fireworks in the open.
The Explosives Act is enforced by the police to whom complaints regarding fireworks need to be reported. This Act covers the sale of fireworks as well as issues relating to the discharge of fireworks in public places.
Local by-laws, which vary, regulate the discharge of fireworks on private property. In some municipalities, permits are required, in other areas there is dispensation for fireworks during the Diwali festivities between specified times.
“The reason we beg residents not to use fireworks near animals is because cats and dogs are able to hear a wider range of and softer sounds than humans, explains SPCA Polokwane inspector, Moloko Manaka.
“Research shows humans can hear 20 Hz to 23 kHz, dogs 60 Hz to 45 kHz and cats 45 Hz to 64 kHz. So what humans think is a low or sound soft way to loud for dogs and cats – some dogs get so frightened they are injured during an attempt to escape the noise.”
Residents with animals are requested to be responsible and to ensure the animals’ safety and comfort during these festivities as the hearing of animals is far more acute and sensitive than those of humans.
If a dog can hear a grasshopper eat, imagine what a firework sounds like, says Manaka.
Advice to keep animals safe during festivals with fireworks:
• Ensure animals have identification.
• If possible someone must stay with the animals during the time of the fireworks.
• If people can’t stay with them keep them inside a room such as the bathroom or kitchen where the windows are higher – it will be difficult for them to jump through.
• Mask the noise by drawing curtains and playing calm music at a reasonable volume.
• Provide them with their favourite meal and toys.
• If the animals react badly to fireworks seek advice from the local veterinarian who can prescribe medication to help calm animals.
Hooliganism and dangerous and illegal behaviour related to fire-works need to be reported to the closest police station giving full details, or to the municipality if they enforce by-laws in that specific area.
On behalf of the SPCA movement in South Africa good wishes is extended to everyone celebrating Diwali and Guy Fawkes with the hope that these celebrations will be in accordance with the true spirit of the Diwali Festival of Light: – beauty, light, love and above all, compassion.
