Protect animals from fireworks

As Diwali celebrations are set to continue to light up the weekend’s night sky, people are urged to be safety conscious as well as compassionate to animals.

According to Durban SPCA’s marketing manager Caroline Smith, most pets are frightened by fireworks due to their enhanced hearing capacities. When fireworks are set off, small bangs sound like huge explosions to these animals.

“Many pets go to extreme lengths to try to escape the noise; jumping over high walls, squeezing through small gaps in gates and fences and jumping through windows,” said Smith.

Animal owners should take the following precautions to keep their pets safe: Avoid using fireworks and keep your pets indoors. Plan ahead, book a kennel or house-sitters in advance and get identifications for your animals. Microchip ID is recommended by the SPCA as it is permanent and tamper-proof.

You can purchase sedative tablets from the Dolphin Coast SPCA which are between R10 and R12 depending on the weight of the dog. Fireworks do not only affect pets; horses, wild animals and reptiles can also be affected.

“An urgent and heartfelt appeal is made for responsibility and for the law and relevant local by-laws to be strictly adhered to,” said Smith.

KDM’s Fire and Emergency chief, Adrian Barnes, reiterated her request.

“We respect all religions and we allow people to celebrate, we just ask that people act responsibly and most people do,” said Barnes

He also noted that big celebrations, like the Diwali Festival in Stanger, apply for special permission as they launch a large number of fireworks. You can contact the Dolphin Coast SPCA on 083 659 5482.