Stern warnings ahead of Diwali

The colourful celebration of Diwali may have an unpleasant ending if the laws regarding fireworks are not abode to.

“The dates for Diwali have been set for this Wednesday and Thursday. We have a problem every year where people start lighting fireworks before, during and after the festival without taking into consideration their neighbours and their pets,” said Umhlali SAPS spokesperson captain Vinny Pillay.

Shakaskraal resident Sundree Naidoo said people had been lighting fireworks in her area since last weekend.

“Some of the children started on Friday afternoon at around 2 pm when people were unprepared. The dogs get scared and often run away and that is how they get run over on the roads,” she said.

Pets are often injured when they jump over high fences, through windows or squeeze through small spaces.

Pet owners are often advised by vets to have their animals sedated.

Pillay said that depending on the offence, people would either face being arrested or fined.

“Certain fireworks are not allowed, time limits need to be abided to, public disturbance and damage to property will also be taken into consideration.”

According to DA ward councillor Malcolm Hubner the municipal by-laws do not permit the use of extremely loud fireworks.

“People are only allowed to burn fireworks from 6-10pm at night and only on the days of the celebration.”

Fireworks that are illegal and may not be sold to the public are those larger than 50mm long and 12mm wide as well as the firecracker known as “bombs” for example, India King, King India and Classic Foils.

Diwali (or Deepavali) is the Hindu festival of lights celebrated every year over a five-day period.

The main festival night of Diwali coincides with the darkest, new moon night of the Hindu Lunisolar month Kartika (between mid-October and mid-November).

Diwali spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair.

Diwali celebrates the return of the Hindu God Rama after he won a battle against the demon king, Ravana. People light their houses with clay lamps to celebrate the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

Take precautions, protect your animals

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.

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