THE Kloof and Highway SPCA team say they were left with a busy and heartbreaking evening on November 8 due to fireworks used to celebrate the Festival of Lights.

Between 18:00 and 21:00 the Kloof SPCA admitted eight dogs, two cats and answered 21 emergency calls.

SPCA manager Barbara Patrick thanked those members of the community who chose to celebrate with kindness, keeping animals in mind and opting not to use fireworks.

“Your compassion made a difference.”

She said while rain kept fireworks at bay for much of the day, as soon as the sun set and the rain eased, the sound of fireworks echoed across many communities.

Also read: Kloof and Highway SPCA thanks supporters

“The volume and persistence of the loud bangs throughout the evening created considerable distress for many animals, both domestic and wild. At our SPCA, we were able to administer calming medication to our resident dogs ahead of the night. Unfortunately, wildlife and many community animals do not have that protection.

“Hearing our peacocks cry out in distress, watching our ducks run for cover and witnessing the fear experienced by the animals in our care was truly soul-crushing. Fireworks may last only a few moments, but the terror they can cause animals may last for hours, and sometimes much longer,” said Patrick.

During the evening, she said the inspectorate responded to a call about a terrified stray dog that had become trapped in a fence while desperately trying to escape the noise.

“Field officer Doctor Mthombeni and inspector Lindo Mbhele rushed to the scene and worked carefully to free the frightened animal. Once released, the dog was so petrified that it bolted and attempted to run into a nearby home, becoming stuck for a second time in the property’s security gate. Thankfully, our Inspectorate was able to safely free him once again.

“The exhausted dog was then brought to the SPCA kennels, where staff ensured he had a warm bed, a comforting meal, a heat lamp, and soothing music to help drown out the sounds of fireworks. For the first time that evening, he was finally able to relax, settling down and falling asleep knowing he was safe,” said Patrick.

While these numbers are significant, the SPCA said the real work begins once the noise has subsided.

Also read: Keep your pets safe this fireworks season

“The day after a fireworks event presents a mammoth task for our staff, who must care for the influx of frightened animals while simultaneously trying to identify them and reunite them with their worried owners. Every animal receives food, shelter, comfort and care while our team works tirelessly to help them find their way back home.”

Patrick advised the public to check with their local SPCA as soon as possible and ensure that they complete a Lost Pet Report if their pet is missing.

“This vital step helps us identify animals entering our care and greatly improves the chances of reuniting pets with their families,” said Patrick as she pleaded with the public to choose animal-friendly ways to celebrate special occasions.

As the festive season approaches, the SPCA reminded the public that New Year’s Eve is traditionally one of the busiest and most challenging times of the year for animal welfare organisations, with significantly more fireworks-related incidents and lost pets than they experienced during Diwali.

“We urge everyone to think carefully before setting off fireworks and to consider the impact that loud bangs have on pets, wildlife, livestock and vulnerable members of our communities.

“Thank you to our Inspectorate team, kennel staff, after-hours personnel and supporters who worked tirelessly to ensure frightened animals had somewhere safe to turn during a very difficult night,” added Patrick.

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