As we approach the New Year, the Boksburg SPCA urges the public to protect their pets from the distressing loud noises of fireworks.

Boksburg SPCA secretary Sue Beadon provided the following tips on how to keep pets safe:

Identification: Ensure your pet/s have identification like a microchip or tag. Both options are available at Boksburg SPCA.

Bring pets indoors: Ensure your cats and dogs are indoors before fireworks begin. Ensure outside pets such as rabbits and chickens are safe and secure in their outdoor housing before fireworks begin.

Stay at home with your pet: Close curtains and play calming music.

Medicate: If you pet is terrified and at risk of injury, please visit your local private vet practice for calming medication.

Boksburg SPCA’s emergency number 083 763 6311 is available 24/7 for any cruelty complaints, stray or injured animals.

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Should your pet get injured, these veterinary practices offer after-hour services:

• Boksburg Animal Hospital: 011 917 9978 or 082 458 8144.

• Alberton Veterinary Clinic: 011 869 7258.

• Germiston Veterinary Clinic: 072 957 7443.

• Fourways Veterinary Hospital (24hrs): 011 705 3411.

• Bryanston Animal Hospital: 011 706 6023.

• Rynfield Veterinary Hospital: 011 849 8811.

Beadon reiterated that should your pet get lost, immediately contact all local SPCAs and veterinary practices. “Post a photo of your pet on social media pages with your pet’s details, gender, area lost and your contact details.”

She further warned the public that harming an animal or pet with fireworks is cruel and would result in prosecution.

“Should you witness cruelty, please call your local SPCA’s emergency number.”

Furthermore, the City of Ekurhuleni’s spokesperson, Zweli Dlamini, said the metro is taking a firm stand on the selling and setting off of fireworks over the festive season- taking into account the rights of residents and animals.

While the discharge of fireworks is provided for under the Gauteng Noise Control Regulations (1999) Regulation 9 (b), and the EMPD Service By-Laws Section 42 (2) (Disturbance of the Peace), this must be done within the confines of the law.

In line with this, the City wishes to remind the public of the following:

• Applications by businesses to sell fireworks are processed by the South African Police Services Explosive Unit and EMS.
• Fireworks may not be set off in any public space including parks, pavements, streets, restaurants and shopping malls.
• It is unlawful to point a firework at any other person, animal, building or vehicle.
• Businesses selling fireworks without the necessary certification will be fined R2 500.
• Public displays (professional) of fireworks must be by registered pyro technicians with a valid permit obtainable from the SAPS, and subject to permission from the local authority.
• Businesses are warned against illegally advertising fireworks on traffic signs, pavements, including deploying people at intersections and pavements to illegally sell these fireworks.
• In line with the City’s by-laws on disturbing the peace, anyone setting off fireworks illegally will receive a R1000 spot fine.
  
• Incidents can be reported to the call center on 0860 54 3000.

Working with the SAPS, the EMPD and DEMS are on high alert to respond to any fireworks-related complaint, especially on New Year’s Eve.

Meanwhile, the City will also be vigilant against the illegal sale of alcohol while continuing with the food safety campaign, which entails random visits to spaza shops and other food-trading businesses to check the status of the business, the quality and the expiry date of their products among others.

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