GALLERY: Things to keep in mind with your pets and fireworks

It is difficult to comprehend the actual damage and total devastation fireworks and the cruelty of humans can cause.

“To look into the eyes of a dog who is so terrified of humans, is a terrible feeling,” said Di Hingley and Zuerina Venter, volunteers from Animal Protection Network (APN).

Animals get hurt and abused daily. Di and Zuerina said they come across very bad incidents daily, especially over the festive season, and it is sometimes so emotional and shocking.

“You stand there and you see these animals looking at you – they are literally crying.

“They are terrified and in pain and we as volunteers are there with them till the end,” they said.

According to Di and Zuerina, you cry for and with these pets even though its not your own pet lying there.

“No words can actually describe what is going through our minds at that time.”

It is difficult for some to comprehend the actual damage and total devastation fireworks cause.

Especially if you are not an owner of one of the victim pets or do not work with these injured and scared animals.

Some may even consider this old news since most of these incidents occurred over December, but a number of pets have been so badly injured that the APN deemed it necessary to bring this to the public’s knowledge.

Cruelty

One of the cases the APN attended to was a dog which almost lost his paw due to a fire cracker being tied to his paw.

“And to think that this was done by a human, most probably somebody the dog trusted, is something one can simply not understand,” said Zuerina

“A cat’s tail was degloved on a palisade fence due to the cat being scared of the fireworks and it tried to get to a safe place.

“Another dog was hit by a car after he landed in front of it – also in an effort to get to safety because he was terrified by the noise made by fireworks.

“He was left with a cracked skull and his one eye popped out of its socket,” said Di.

In another incident, a traumatised dog damaged his owner’s doors just to escape. He did not manage to escape, but his owner struggled to calm him down.

Never too late

“Some would say that this is old news now and that the festive season is over, but we want to educate people throughout the year about fireworks and their pets,” they said.

APN’s mission is to save and help animals in need in the greater Alberton area.

“I believe we will never ban or stop fireworks as we need more people in high places who feel the same.

“We’ve been trying to ban fireworks for years now and even if we manage to win its still not going to happen now – maybe in a continues battle over a number of years we will get it done,” said Di.

A friend to every pet

APN’s vision is to be an animal welfare group that saves and helps unwanted and/or abused street dogs, cats and any other animals in need, in the greater area of Alberton.

They are in partnership with Brackenhurst Vet, which has provided their rescue animals with quality care and treatment.

ANP, however, needs financial assistance from the community to pay their vet bill.

Not only do they need financial donations, but also anything that can be sold in a jumble sale (this is one of APN’s main sources of income), such as clothes or old appliances or chairs or toys (to name just a few things), are more than welcome.

Even leftover food can help to feed the animals.

If you want to support APN, become a member or just make a donation call 071 607 1188 or visit their website (www.animalprotection.co.za)

Financial donations towards the vet bill can also be paid at the Brackenhurst Vet under APN’s name.

“Your support can change the world of a vulnerable, abused animal.”

APN feels that it is important to educate pet owners.

Here are a few things to keep in mind with your pets and fireworks:

• Ensure all animals have identification.

• If possible, stay home with them if you suspect firework fiends are about.

• Be prepared. Make sure you have medication to keep them calm.

• Invest in a thunder wrap as this will also help your pet to stay calm.

• If your pets do react badly to fireworks, seek professional advice from your veterinarian.

• If you can’t be home with them, keep them inside and preferably in a room such as the kitchen where the windows are higher and more difficult to jump through.

• Prepare a “safe space” for your pet, where they can retreat to should the stress prove to be too much for them.

• Play soothing music to try to drown out the frightening noises from outside.

• Stay with them, providing comfort and love and, if they’re up to it, try playing games with them to make it a more positive experience.

• Equip yourself with information related to your local council’s by-laws and be prepared with an escalation plan should celebrations occur outside of these parameters.

• In the very unfortunate event of your pet going missing, be ready with an action plan to find them – let neighbours know, contact security companies to request that patrol vehicles keep an eye out, call all nearby vets in case someone has dropped your pet there, and if not, try the SPCA.

• All pets should be chipped, and if they have a tag on with your contact number during these higher-risk periods, it can be easier for you to be reunited with your pet.

“Always keep emergency numbers close and make sure you report your missing pet and make use of social media and animal organisations to also help you to find your pet.

“If you are not a pet owner and you picked up an injured dog, make sure to take it to the nearest vet. They will stabilise the dog there before taking it to the local SPCA,” said Zuerina.

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