FIREWORKS season starts this week, with Guy Fawkes being celebrated on Thursday, 5 November and Diwali on Wednesday, 11 November.
Fireworks season heralds animal dinner fund time
However, this is not the end to fireworks, as New Year celebrations see more big bangs being let off, with pets at the mercy of the loud noises, which is certain to erupt in all neighbourhoods.
Beware fireworks ban in public places
Amanzimtoti SPCA manager, Tracey Girling has the following advice for pet owners:
- More family pets will run away from home during holidays involving fireworks than any other day of the year. As a precautionary measure in case your pets are frightened and run away, make sure your animals have identification tags or microchips to ensure that they are returned safely when they are found.
- If possible, stay at home with your animals, if you suspect fireworks fiends are about.
- If you can’t be home with your animals, keep them inside. Make sure your pets have access to their favourite ‘safe place’ or find a quiet, comfortable, enclosed room where your pets can ‘hide’, if they need to. Ensure they cannot break through a window or slip out of a door.
- Attempt to mask any noise by drawing curtains and playing calming music at a reasonable volume.
- Put familiar and comforting things around them such as toys, baskets and more.
- Provide them with something to do such as giving your dog a chewy bone or lots of catnip or a catnip toy for felines.
- If your pets do react badly to fireworks, seek professional advice from your veterinarian ahead of time.
- Give your pets a hearty and nutritious meal around nightfall. This will make them more likely to be sleepy.
You might also like to read:
Why won’t police enforce fireworks ban?
FACT continues fight against fireworks
City urges responsible use of fireworks
