THE local SPCAs have commended pet owners for taking proactive measures to keep their animals calm and safe as residents let off fireworks during Diwali celebrations this weekend.
Richards Bay SPCA Inspector Shelly Prinsloo said while the loud bangs continued unabated this year, owners were quick to obtain tranquillisers from the SPCA for their pets.
She said one traumatised dog died after it was knocked over by a vehicle last week.
‘There were no other injuries and the other dogs that came into the SPCA were scared stray animals,’ Prinsloo told Eyethu Bay Watch.
‘From our side, it was a much better year than previous years.’
The Empangeni SPCA concurred, adding that only three dogs were brought into the local pound.
‘One dog was slightly injured after it entered another property and was bitten by another dog,’ said Empangeni SPCA Senior Inspector Roland Fivas.
‘The other two animals went missing and were reclaimed by owners. There were a couple of big bangs that sent dogs running onto the streets. These bangs were unnecessary. If every resident can let off fireworks at a central point in the future, it would prevent any problems and harm to animals,’ Fivas said.
Some pet owners left it too late to obtain tranquillisers with one veterinary clinic in Richards Bay reportedly running out of the calming medication.
Central point
uMhlathuze Fire and Rescue Chief Andrew Vumba said they had not received a request for the discharge of fireworks at a central point this year.
‘We did not grant permission for the discharge of fireworks at the uMhlathuze Sports Stadium because nobody requested it,’ said Vumba.
However, residents took to the Zululand Observer online platforms to voice their concern over the inadequate policing of fireworks.
‘Once again the City shows its ineptitude at policing its own bylaws by doing nothing about the ongoing fireworks,’ said Shaun Engelbrecht on the ZO Facebook page.
‘Police need to stop fireworks being let off in a residential area. It’s heartbreaking to see our animals so scared,’ said Fabienne Coetzee.
‘Fireworks are banned but some people do not obey the law and do what they want,’ Justin Whittaker said.
