South Coast residents have taken to social media and WhatsApp groups to express their anger over the loud fireworks explosions.
Sad stories of missing pets flooded social media just hours after the ‘bomb-like’ bangs erupted to welcome in 2024. Children, the elderly and the sick were also reportedly affected.
Ramsgate resident, Shane Posthumus is determined to put a stop to the bangs, as he feels it’s time for a compassionate shift. He said that moving forward people have to opt for eco-friendly celebrations that preserve joy without inflicting fear and harm on the environment, wildlife, and pets.
“The bangs were so loud my aluminium windows rattled and my poor Snoopy’s nerves was shattered, and he was sick for days afterwards. I even found a dead duck floating in a nearby river,” said Posthumus.
He said the Ramsgate community is outraged, and he has since started a petition. Contact him on 072 1072979.
Joan Gallagher of The Green Net said it is deeply disturbing that although the coast markets the area as ‘fireworks free’, there are some who do not comply.
The effects of this uncaring behaviour is easily seen by the number of domestic animals that are so terrified that they break out of their homes and scatter, sometimes injuring themselves or others in their panic, and Facebook is full of these sad stories this week.
“While some people may be able to give their pets soothing or calming medication, this is not universal, and nor are we able to protect the multitude of other creatures who are not usually considered,” she said
Gallagher said there are many other animals who are deeply affected, including birds who can literally die of fright if the noises are too loud and unexpected.
Disorientation and panic from fireworks can cause birds to crash into buildings or fly towards the sea. Many birds who flee from their nests due to the loud sounds do not know how to return to their nests once the noise ends, which leaves many of their young helpless.
“Fireworks also pollute public spaces and water systems, sometimes starting veld or wild fires that may become unmanageable. There just isn’t a reason to continue with this action now that we know all the harm it does – for a few minutes of human ‘happiness’, whole eco systems can be destroyed or negatively impacted.”
Jo-Anne Wentzel, representing the Anti Fireworks Campaign South Coast said a petition was started a few years ago, and letters were submitted to authorities asking to ban fireworks. To continue with more objections, email your grievances in writing to: joannewentzel@venturenet.co.za – your name, suburb and contact details must be added.
Scott Kvalsvig of Animal Welfare Lower South Coast said they need documentary evidence to present a solid and unified solution to this horrendous problem that has progressively worsened over the last few years. Email: animalwelfarelsc@gmail.com, which will be forwarded to authorities without your name.
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