Protect your furry friends as they can’t protect themselves
Almost 53 per cent of dogs go missing during the fireworks season
The joyous, yet dangerous celebration season has arrived and we hear the sounds and see the lights of fireworks all over, especially at New Year.
Although the tradition of lighting a firework and seeing the sky set alight is amazing, it is also the worst nightmare for our furry friends who can hear five times more acutely than humans.
During the time of celebration of the rugby and now making its way to Christmas and New Year, residents have been lighting fireworks for their entertainment, forgetting the scared animals helplessly seeking shelter.
In this time, there are numerous incidents of animals trying to force themselves through the small gaps between the gate and the wall, and ending up with skin torn off trying seek shelter from the loud fireworks.
To protect our furry friends who cannot speak for themselves, measures have been taken to ensure that all furry friends can be kept safe and out of danger’s way.
According to the Explosives Act 26 of 1956 (which 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 (this is commonly known as “having a permit”). This written permission will stipulate conditions and any non-compliance with them is a criminal offence.
According to section 30 of the Act the use or detonation of any fireworks in any building and public thoroughfare; selling fireworks to a child or anyone under the age of 16; allowing a child or person under the age of 16 to handle fireworks without adult supervision are all illegal activities. You can’t set off fireworks in public places such as parks, pavements, and streets. You must be licensed to sell fireworks. You can’t set off fireworks within 200 metres of a hospital, clinic, old-age home, nursing home, animal welfare organisation or petrol station. It’s illegal to do so. You can’t point or direct fireworks towards people, animals, cars or buildings. Fireworks can only be set off between 7pm and 10pm on Guy Fawkes and Diwali. No person may light or ignite fireworks in any place where animals are present (R 1 000 fine). This includes domestic homes.
Only on New Years Eve, 31 December, will the allowed time to set of fireworks be from 7pm until 1am of 1 January 2020.
During that time, pet owners need to take every measure they can to ensure the safety of their pets.
• Ensure all animals have identification.
• If possible, stay home with them if you suspect fireworks
fiends are about.
• 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)
• 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.
• If your pets do react badly to fireworks, then seek professional advice from your veterinarian.
• Why not ensure your pets have a hearty and nutritious meal around nightfall. That will make them more likely to be sleepy around midnight.
