Bombs banned on Diwali festival

Setting off an ‘Indian King’ firecracker in KwaDukuza might get you in more trouble than you bargained for, locals have been warned ahead of the upcoming Diwali celebrations, which are set to start on October 24 and continues until October 29.

Fireworks are only allowed by law on Diwali, November 5 (Guy Fawkes Day) and January 1 (New Year’s Eve) and are not allowed within 500 metres of any explosive magazine, explosives factory, petroleum depot or gas meter; or in any building or on any public thoroughfare.

According to the municipal bylaws, the ‘Indian King’ is not the only firecracker outlawed and is extended to include firecrackers such as ‘bombs’, ‘Classic Foils’ and ‘King India’. Fireworks sellers have have also been warned not to sell to children under the age of 16.

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Only a qualified technician is allowed to operate a public display of fireworks on any premises and must have written permission of the Explosives Department and the local designated fire officer.

Fireworks longer than 50mm or thicker than 12mm are banned. Any person who by any act or omission commits a breach of any of the regulations of these bylaws, shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to the fines determined by a Chief Magistrate of the Magistrate’s Court with jurisdiction in the area in which the offence has been committed or imprisonment as determined by a competent court.

Pet owners are also urged to exercise preventative measures for celebrations using fireworks. The Durban and Coast SPCA is inundated with lost and stray animals following these events, says marketing manager Tanya Fleischer, who advises pet owners to get their pets micro-chipped to ensure that should their pets go missing, they be reunited once again.

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“We have Anxitane available for sale – this is a herbal calming medication and is recommended for all pets during the fireworks season. It is highly effective and will help keep your pet calm without the harsh effects of a tranquiliser,” said Fleischer.

The SPCA has also provided the following tips for pet owners:

* Keep them indoors in a familiar room;

* Close the windows and curtains;

* Have the television or radio on to muffle the sound;

* Stay in the room with them and act normally as pets can react to their owner’s emotions, and;

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* Give them something to do, such as a chewy bone to munch on, or catnip toys for cats.

Locals are also urged to keep an eye out for possible strays and lost animals. Should you come across a lost or stray animal, contact the SPCA. Animals will be kept at the SPCA for seven days before being put up for adoption. The Durban and Coast SPCA is contactable on 031 579 6500.

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