The Cape of Good Hope (CoGH) SPCA has issued an appeal to Capetonians to protect their pets on New Year’s Eve amid fireworks celebrations.
According to a statement released on Wednesday, as dogs are armed with sensitive hearing, they find noisy fireworks unbearable and many become extremely anxious when fireworks are deployed in their surroundings.
As a result, countless pets go to extreme lengths to try to escape the noise by jumping over high walls, squeezing through small gaps in gates and fences and jumping through windows.
Every year, the CoGH SPCA sees many bewildered and frightened stray animals coming through their doors in the days that follow New Year’s Eve celebrations. Some of them are severely injured, mostly as a result of being struck down by cars after they have bolted in terror, following fireworks explosions.
“This New Year, the CoGH SPCA is appealing to all Capetonians to include compassion for animals in their new year’s resolutions. One night of fun for you will be a night of terror for Cape Town’s abundant wild animals, birdlife and pets,” the statement reads.
“Your merriment could also quickly turn to misery should you be found to be terrorising any animals by discharging fireworks at unauthorised sites, an action which will see offenders facing charges of animal cruelty and contraventions of The City’s By-Laws. Should you come across anyone using fireworks irresponsibly or illegally, please report this to the South African Police Services.”
The statement also reminds residents that the Firearms and Explosives Ordinance also makes it illegal for any child under the age of 16 to use or buy fireworks and it is illegal to use or sell fireworks without an official permit, except at an officially designated site.
In spite of this legislation, fireworks are still sold in many corner cafés to anyone of any age and they continue to be set off at residential homes and gardens where they cause a real danger.
How to protect pets from fireworks, as per the CoGH SPCA:
- Ensure all animals have identification, preferably a micro-chip or at least a dog tag, because without identification, the task of reuniting lost pets with their owners will be that much more difficult.
- If possible, stay at home with them.
- If you can’t be at home, keep your pets inside and preferably in a room that is safe and secure – create a small den for them with blankets, pillows and a favourite toy.
- Try and mask any noise by drawing the curtains and playing calming music.
- Put familiar and comforting things around them.
- Give your pets a nutritious and balanced meal – this is likely to make them more sleepy.
- Give them something to chew on – a chewy bone or catnip toys for cats.
- If you suspect your pet will react badly to fireworks, please seek professional advice from your veterinarian who may prescribe a sedative to help them cope. There are also effective homeopathic remedies, such as PetCalm, available from the CoGH SPCA vet shops in Plumstead and Grassy Park, that use natural ingredients to help keep your pet calm and relaxed.
Any instances of animal cruelty should be reported to the Cape of Good Hope SPCA immediately on 021 700 4158/9 during office hours and on 083 326 1604 after hours.
Their inspectors will be on duty throughout the night.
“If your pet does go missing, please call their lost and found department on 021 700 4166 or email lostandfound@spca-ct.co.za.”
