Ballito beware: big bangs outlawed for Diwali

As some are getting ready to celebrate Diwali, others are preparing for sleepless nights and the heartache of watching their pets tremble with fear.

With the colourful celebration of Diwali set to fall on October 29 to 30, the national body representing the cultural and religious aspirations of South Africa’s Hindu community- South African Hindu Maha Sabha, shared a notice on social media reminding people that big bangs are banned and to pay attention to council’s by-laws during their celebrations.

Nevertheless, Ballito Veterinary Hospital’s Dr Shreya Venkatkumar urges owners to take extra precautions when it comes to their pets.

“We attend to many cases where pets are injured when they try to jump over high fences, through windows or squeeze themselves through small spaces. More animals are brought in during New Year celebrations than Diwali and this is because owners are more prepared during Diwali because they know what to expect,” she said.

According to Venkatkumar, animals react to intensely to loud noises because their hearing is about ten times better than that of people.

“Remember that if something sounds loud to you the sound is ten times more intense to your pet. Animals also cannot associate the loud noises with anything. A person will know that it is coming from fireworks but animals don’t and that is mainly what makes them take cover,” she said.

Ward 22 DA Councillor Malcolm Hubner said people need to pay attention to the municipal by-laws, because the public are not allowed to use extremely loud fireworks.

“People are permitted to burn fireworks only on the days of the celebration and not a few days before. People also need to adhere to the times as they are only allowed to burn fireworks from six in the afternoon until 10 at night,” he said.

Fireworks that are illegal and may not be sold to the public are those larger than 50mm long and 12mm diameter and the firecrackers commonly known as “Bombs”, for example Indian King, King India and Classic Foils.

Hubner also advised that people be careful where they burn fireworks.

“It is unlawful to use or explode any fireworks within 500 metres of any explosives magazine, explosives factory, petroleum depot or gas meter; or inside a building,” he said.

Umhlali SAPS spokesperson Vinny Pillay said that although it is difficult to respond to all the calls that are received on Diwali, people will be reprimanded according to the crimes they commit.

“We get a lot of complaints and we try to respond as fast as we can. We will be taking action against people who damage property and do not follow the municipal by-laws,” said Pillay.

To prevent animals from getting injured Dr Venkatkumar advised owners have their pets sedated.

“We prefer that owners bring their pets in for a check-up before buying sedatives. A lot of people bring their pets in a few days before Diwali. People should keep their pets indoors and wrap them in a blanket to help them to feel safe. Leaving music or the TV on is also a good way to distract them,” she said.

Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.

Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join us on BBM at 59015786
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.