How to deal with the Big Bang

JOHANNESBURG SOUTH – AS warmer weather heralds the start of summer, animal lovers know that fireworks season isn’t far off.

Starting with Diwali in October and lasting right through to New Year, the festive season is also fireworks season. For people, fireworks are a fun way to celebrate holidays and balmy evenings outdoors, but it’s a very different story for animals.

All animals, including your beloved pets, have a more acute sense of hearing than humans do, so every pop and bang may seem like an explosion to them, especially as they don’t understand what’s going on. It’s no wonder that terrified pets will do just about anything to escape from fireworks or that the Johannesburg SPCA routinely sees a spike in admissions immediately after a night of celebration.

While fireworks are legal in South Africa, strict by-laws govern their usage. The JSPCA therefore encourages Joburg residents to familiarise themselves with the by-laws and to report any infringements to the SAPS.

Residents should, be aware that fireworks may only be used on certain days and at certain times:

• New Year’s Eve from 23:00 to 01:00;
• New Year’s Day from 19:00 to 22:00;
• Chinese New Year 19:00 to 22:00;
• Human Rights Day from 19:00 to 22:00;
• Freedom Day from 19:00 to 22:00;
• Diwali from 19:00 to 22:00;
• Guy Fawkes Day from 19:00 to 22:00;
• Christmas Eve from 19:00 to 22:00; and
• Day of Goodwill from 19:00 to 22:00.

More specifically, the by-laws are clear about the fact that ‘no person may light or ignite fireworks in any place where animals are present’ and that ‘no person may allow a minor under his or her control to use, light or ignite fireworks in contravention (of the by-laws)’.

In addition, fireworks may only be used in certain places with prior and written permission. These places include the interiors of buildings, agricultural holdings, public spaces, schools, hospitals and old age homes.

The JSPCA also suggests that animal lovers adopt the following measures to minimise distress on nights when fireworks are in use:

• Keep pets indoors and try to ensure that they have human companionship;
• if possible, close all windows, curtains and doors to block out the flashes of light and loud noises;
• Turn on the radio or TV to muffle the sound of the fireworks and choose a programme that doesn’t feature loud music or startling sounds;
• Provide toys, treats or other distractions to help keep pets occupied;
• Speak to a vet about the medication and supplements available to manage anxiety caused by loud noises;
• Keep calm and don’t fuss if pets become distressed as this will only aggravate their anxiety;
• Ensure your pets are micro-chipped so that they can be traced if they do manage to get out and run away.

In case of an emergency during fireworks season, residents can contact the City of Joburg’s Emergency Connect line on 011 375 5911 or can call the nationwide emergency response service on 10111. The JSPCA’s 24-hour Duty Inspector can also be reached on 083 604 1172 and a staff member is on standby at all times to accept strays at the JSPCA Kennels in Reuven, south of the city centre.

If you have lost a pet please contact our Lost and Found Department on 011 681 3600 during office hours to report him or her missing. You should also phone all the vets in your area and the surrounding SPCAs, as you pet may have been taken to one of them.

For further information about the Johannesburg SPCA and its work, please visit www.jhbspca.co.za.

Issued by Jolene Beyleveld – JSPCA Public Relations