The cruel side of fireworks

Rustenburg – The festive season is upon us and while we all look forward to having fun with our loved ones and friends and celebrating the  New Year’s Day, most animals spent Old Year’s Eve in fear. 
For the Rustenburg Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), 31 December and 1 January are some of their busiest days of the year. 
Says Rustenburg SPCA manager Marisa Kruger: “Animals, whether its birds, dogs, cats or even squirrels are not taken into account when people decide to use fireworks. It has a traumatic effect on the animals, some of them get hurt, some of them get lost and some die. Our workload is huge after New Year’s Eve. I stand in amazement at people’s ignorance about the effects that fireworks have on animals, and I wish fireworks would be banned altogether.”
Do the responsible thing and report fireworks to the Rustenburg Police Station on 014 590 4115.
According to Specialist Investigators’ Mike Bolhuis, the noise of fireworks leads many dogs to perceive it as a threat and triggers a fight or flight response. Other signs of anxiety are barking, restlessness, panting, pacing and whining. Frightened cats appear startled, run away or hide away. Other signs cats might show are either toileting in the house or excessive grooming. It is breeding season for many species of birds and the noise may startle mother birds off their nests – leaving the eggs unprotected and exposed.

Fireworks and the law:

• The use of fireworks in South Africa is regulated by by-laws under the Explosives Act of 1956. 
• This means that you need to check in with your local authorities to ensure that there are no by-laws that apply in your city or town.
• One may not light or ignite fireworks in a place where animals are present (R1,000 fine). This includes your own home.
• Fireworks may not be set off in any public place. This includes in parks, on the pavement or on streets.
• Shopping malls, restaurants, liquor stores and clothing retailers are also off-limits.
• Fireworks may not be sold by street vendors, hawkers or at any informal open-air facilities.
• Anyone who wishes to sell fireworks must have a valid licence, which is issued by the chief inspector of the Department of Explosives.
• It is illegal to detonate fireworks within 200 metres of a hospital, clinic, petrol station, old-age home, nursing home, or animal welfare organisation or institution.
• No one under the age of 16 is allowed to purchase or set off fireworks.
• It is unlawful for any person to point or direct a firework at another person, animal, building or motor vehicle. 
• No person or organisation is allowed to present fireworks displays unless formally authorised to do so by the Council (at least 14 days’ notice).
• Authorisation is also required from the Civil Aviation Authority and the Chief Inspector of Explosives.
• A pyrotechnician and SA Police Services explosives expert must be present at all times.
• Failure to comply with any of the above could result in a hefty fine or even jail time.
• A few tips shared by Mike Bolhuis 
• Microchip your pets.
• If need be – medicate your pets with anti-anxiety medication, but, consult with your veterinarian first.
• Create a safe space for your pets. Turn off other noise in this space as a TV or radio will only exacerbate the problem.
• Keep the space locked and ensure that the pets are not able to escape but also, they should not be able to hurt themselves by breaking through a window or jumping over something when they panic.
• Close windows and curtains to muffle the sound of fireworks.
• Specialised vests, wraps or coats can be bought, it is said that such pressure garments have a calming effect on pets.