As November 5 has arrived many people enjoy letting their fireworks off, but does anyone really care about the dogs and cats.
The SPCA on a yearly bases fill up the enclosures will frighten dogs and cats.
So before you enjoy your Guy Fawkes evening, just think before you light the fuse of the cracker.
Know the law, report offenders and make your voice heard.
*The explosives Act No 26 of 1956. This law applies nationwide with no exceptions.
It is unlawful to discharge any firework in any building, on any public thoroughfare or in any public place or resort without prior written permission of the local authority. (Section 10.34)
Section 10.35 relates to public displays of fireworks and states that no person may do so on any premises without the written permission of the Chief Inspector of Explosives (commonly known as “having a permit”). This written permission will stipulate conditions and any non-compliance with them is a criminal offence.
In terms of the Explosives Act, no person shall allow or permit any children under the age of 16 to handle or use fireworks except under the supervision of an adult person.
This Act is enforced by the South African Police Service (SAPS) not by the SPCA. Please report any offences to your nearest SAPS, giving as many details as you possibly can and quoting the Act name and number plus the relevant section as given above.
Ignorance of the law is no excuse-penalties are severe.
Do not be afraid to report offenders, using fireworks on private properties
We are referring to domestic properties in this section and to shop-bought fireworks. Whether or not it is legal to set off fireworks on a person’s own property is governed by the local by-laws. In some areas, no firework may be set off at any time without the written permission of the local authority. In other areas, it is permitted to set off fireworks on specified dates between certain times on domestic properties.
Please check local by-laws and make sure the by-laws you examine or are referred to are the most up-to-date ones. Many Municipalities amended their by-laws recently specifically on the issue of fireworks. Your Council or your local SPCA should be knowledgeable on the situation in your area.
In some areas, the discharging of fireworks could be an offence in terms of noise pollution. It is worth checking – and it is always worth reporting any untoward or hooligan use of fireworks.
“No one is permitted to make use of any fire works in eMalahleni you have to have permission, according to my knowledge nobody applied so it’s illegal to shoot crackers tonight,” said Administrator Theo van Vuuren.
How to keep your pets safe
Many domestic animals are frightened by loud noises, particularly the loud bangs and piercing sounds produced by fireworks. To avoid distress you should take appropriate measures to ensure the wellbeing of your pets.
If you are unsure as to how your pets will be affected, note that animals that are sensitive to thunderstorms are likely to react similarly to the noise of fireworks. If you are at all unsure of your pet’s reaction it is best to take precautionary measures.
Fireworks are a cause of panic for many pets and we hope that these tips will help keep your animals happy and safe –
More family pets will run away from home during holidays involving fireworks than any other days 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 home with your animals if you suspect fireworks are about.
If you can’t be home with your animals, keep them inside. Make sure that 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 that 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 etc.
Provide them with something to do such as giving your dog a chewy bone or lots of catnip or a catnip toy for felines.
Witbank Animal Clinic was contacted about what tranquilizers can be given to their dog and cats.
The vet recommended ACP and it takes 40 minutes to work and last for approximately seven hours.
The vet asked if you could please bring your pet in so the correct dosage is given.
(Information supplied by the Public Relations Department of the NSPCA – visit their website at for more information.)
A few facts:
Unless special Council authorization has been applied for and granted, there are only 11 days annually when residents are allowed to “light or ignite” fireworks. Guy Fawkes and Divali are such days. (R500 fine on other days).
Except for New Year’s Eve, the only permissible time period for igniting fireworks on these days is between 19h00 and 22h00 (7 to 10 pm). (R500 fine at any other time).
No person may light or ignite fireworks in any place where animals are present (R1 000 fine). This includes domestic homes.
No person may allow any minor (child) under his or her control to “use, light or ignite” fireworks (R1 500 fine). No exceptions to this rule.
No person may use fireworks on any agricultural holding or at any school or senior citizens’ residence without special Council authorization (R1 000 to R1 500 fine). This authorization must be sought well in advance of intended day.
No person can use fireworks within 500 meters of any petrol depot or petrol station without special Council authorization (R1 500 fine).
No person or organization can “present a fireworks display” unless formally authorized to do so by the Council (at least 14 days’ notice before the display is required by Council to consider such an application). Authorization is also required from the Civil Aviation Authority and the Chief Inspector of Explosives. (Multiple fines of R1 500 are applicable).
Enjoy Guy Fawkes the responsible way, watch this awesome fireworks show.
