Society for Animals in Distress calls on locals to refrain from using fireworks
MIDRAND – The Society for Animals in Distress urges residents to consider local animals when setting off fireworks.
The Society for Animals in Distress is calling on the local community to be considerate to animals during Guy Fawkes Day on 5 November.
CEO of the organisation, Heather Robertson said, “The Society for Animals in Distress would like to draw the public’s attention to the plight of animals in our veterinary hospital in response to the igniting of fireworks. The animal’s extreme anxiety is often the cause of injury while trying to escape their kennels or paddocks. Although these are just some of the results of fireworks for animals, many animals suffer far worse fates every year. The society implores the public to apply for municipal permission.”
The organisation would like to stress to residents the legislation surrounding the use of fireworks. “It should also be noted that should any valuable animals be injured as a result of fireworks, the offenders will be held personally responsible and civil action can be taken.”
According to the City of Johannesburg’s emergency services by-laws, fireworks are prohibited within 500 metres of any explosives factory, explosives storage place, petrol depot or petrol station, inside any building, on any agricultural holding, at any public place, or at any school, old age home or hospital.
Additionally, no person may light or ignite fireworks in any place where animals are present. In addition, Section 32 of the Emergency Services By-Laws states that anyone wishing to present a fireworks display must apply to the Chief Fire Officer 14 days prior. Fireworks may only be used during the following designated times:
- Guy Fawkes (5 November) from 7pm to 10pm
- Christmas Eve (24 December) from 7pm to 10pm
- Day of Goodwill (26 December) from 7pm to 10pm
- New Year’s Eve (31 December) from 11pm to 1am
- New Year’s Day (1 January) from 7pm to 10pm
- Human Rights Day (21 March) from 7pm to 10pm
- Freedom Day (27 April) from 7pm to 10pm
- Lag B’Omer from 7pm to 10pm
- Chinese New Year from 7pm to 10pm
- Hindu New Year from 7pm to 11pm
- Diwali from 7pm to 11pm.
Details: www.animalsindistress.org.za
