SPCA works to reunite missing pets after New Year’s fireworks chaos

The Nigel SPCA faced a surge of calls from concerned pet owners reporting missing animals following New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Fireworks, with their loud explosions and bright flashes, often cause severe distress and anxiety in dogs, leading many to panic and escape from their homes.

Despite calls from the City of Ekurhuleni, the SPCA, and other organisations to refrain from using fireworks during the festive season, particularly on New Year’s Eve, some residents ignored the plea and continued to set off fireworks.

The loud noises and bright lights of fireworks frighten many dogs. This leads to symptoms such as trembling, hiding, excessive barking, and attempts to escape.

Repeated exposure to fireworks can cause long-term anxiety and phobias in dogs, making future fireworks displays more distressing for them.

In an incident in Jordaan Park, Heidelberg, a dog got stuck in a fence and suffered severe injuries. The owner took the dog to the vet but it had to be euthanised because of the injuries.

Nigel SPCA still receives calls from people looking for their missing dogs. They currently have an unclaimed male Staffie with visible scars on his face that appear to be from wires.

“He is doing great after we cleaned his wounds. He is a very friendly dog,” Judy Adams from Nigel SPCA said.

Fireworks affected none of the animals at the Nigel SPCA. A family also visited the Nigel SPCA looking for their long-hair grey male cat who is still missing.

“People should have a folder with all the details and photos of their animals, which will make it easier to find them, should they get lost,” Adams suggested.

The Heidelberg SPCA is also working hard at reuniting stray dogs with their owners.

Visit Nigel SPCA at 1 Spaarwater Road Nigel or Heidelberg SPCA at 1 Retief Street if your dog is still missing or if you want to adopt a furry friend.