Outcry over fireworks: Residents search for their missing pets
All residents and businesses are advised to comply with the bylaws and regulations regarding the use and selling of fireworks, to avoid being fined.
After fireworks were let off to celebrate the New Year, Loki, a two year old rescue, escaped his Southport home by digging under the fence.
Since that evening he hasn’t been found.
Loki, is just one of many pets lost due to the ‘war-zone’ sound of fireworks which erupted in neighbourhoods and at beaches on the South Coast.
Loki belongs to quadriplegic Kershan Naidoo (42), and his family are desperate to find him. They have since issued a R1000 reward for his return.
“My brother and Loki share a special bond and he is distraught that he is missing. Our neighbourhood has always been a ‘fireworks free-zone’, so it’s a first to have fireworks of this nature in our quiet area,” said Nel Naidoo.
Loki went missing from Crescent Street, Southport. If anyone has seen him, contact Nel on 082 7718154.
Mike Davis of the Lower South Coast SPCA said they have housed 16 dogs and two cats on New Year Eve and day.
“We have certainly seen an increase in stray animals compared to last year. Luckily, we had no injured pets or wildlife,” he said.
Simon April, spokesperson of Ray Nkonyeni Municipality said that Fire Services Section responded to 19 fireworks complaints during December 31, 2023 and January 1, 2024.
He said the bylaws stipulate the use of fireworks are allowed only on: November 5, January 1 and on Diwali.
April further explained that if anyone wishes to display or use fireworks on any other day, they should obtain written permission from the municipality.
For this purpose, any application for public fireworks displays and/or for the private discharge of fireworks must reach the municipality for processing and finalisation at least one calendar month before the authorisation is required. Failure to do so, will result in the application not being considered or processed.
On the issue of selling of fireworks, April said the dealer has to obtain a licence to do so and should abide by the conditions of the licence which is issued as per the provisions of the Explosives Act.
“Our Law Enforcement working with our Fire Services Section did some random inspection of premises that were trading in fireworks, and those without the required licence or not in compliance with the set conditions, were issued with fines and stopped from selling them (fireworks).”
April said that all residents and businesses are advised to comply with the bylaws and regulations regarding the use and selling of fireworks to avoid being fined.
Any complaints regarding fireworks can be directed to the municipality’s control room on 039 682 5555.
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