Given the large number of injuries and fatalities caused when animals are frightened by the loud bangs of fireworks, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is calling for a ban on crackers.
The thunderous sound of firecrackers that roared across the city over the past festive season may soon fall silent if the area’s Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has its way.
Setting off firecrackers over the season was a “rowdy” act that posed a huge risk to the wellbeing of animals, says the Krugersdorp branch of the SPCA. The organisation has vowed to put a stop to the use of firecrackers, if push comes to shove.
“The SPCA in Mogale is a great supporter of the banning of fireworks,” says Inspector Veronica Fourie, based at that branch.
She notes that setting off fireworks ubiquitously over the festive season raised the SPCA’s indignation, as more than 50 dogs and 47 cats were abandoned or left homeless because of it.
Frightened by the noise of firecrackers, many pets run away from home, often injuring themselves as they flee. “This could be due to animals escaping from the use of fireworks, which already started two weeks prior to the festive season.”
Fourie says animals are very sensitive and can be easily upset or frustrated by the gruesome sound of firecrackers. Fatalities were reported, which might have happened while the animals were trying to escape the noise of firecrackers. About seven dogs were hit by vehicles.
Although no other major animal injuries were reported, she says SPCA personnel confiscated one vervet monkey, among other animals. “The confiscated pets are being kept at out premises,” she confirms.
About 17 runaway dogs have been reclaimed by their owners since the beginning of the year, while some have found homes with new owners, “as an animal becomes the SPCA’s property after five days”.
Fourie notes that there might have been other animal fatalities or injuries at private homes, either because of negligence or fright.
Should the organisation discover that an animal was fatally injured or died in the presence of its owners because of negligence, charges will be laid under the Animal Protection Act.
To report animal cruelty in Mogale City, telephone the SPCA’s animal protection unit on 011 953 1135 or fax it on 011 953 1136. The organisation’s emergency numbers are 072 290 0044 or 076 963 5404.
In addition, the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) has called for fireworks to be banned as the crackers being sold and used do not fall under the endorsed definitions of fireworks, but are deemed to be illegal explosive devices that are blown up ubiquitously during the festive season.
The national group has urged people to work with their local authorities to tighten every by-law to avoid any animal fatality or injury. A person found neglecting or abusing an animal can be prosecuted under the Animal Protection Act.
Fireworks are prohibited inside buildings and at schools, old age homes, hospitals, and petrol stations.
Mogale City residents are urged to report illegal selling or misuse of fireworks to the emergency number 107 if calling from a cellphone or 011 951 2272 if calling from a landline.