Illegal fireworks and the effect on animals
Before you enjoy your New Year's Eve, just think before you light the fuse of a cracker
Do not be afraid to report offenders. As December 31 is just around the corner, many people enjoy letting off fireworks, but does anyone really care about the dogs and cats? The SPCA, on a yearly basis, fills up the enclosures with frightened dogs and cats. So before you enjoy your New Year’s Eve, just think before you light the fuse of a cracker. Know the law, report offenders and make your voice heard.
The explosives Act No 26 of 1956 is a law that applies nationwide, with no exceptions. It is unlawful to discharge any fireworks in any building, on any public thoroughfare, or in any public place or resort without prior written permission of the local authority (Section 10.34). Section 10.35 relates to public displays of fireworks and states that no person may do so on any premises without the written permission of the Chief Inspector of Explosives (commonly known as “having a permit”). This written permission will stipulate conditions and any non-compliance with them is a criminal offence.
In terms of the Explosives Act, no person shall allow or permit any children under the age of 16 to handle or use fireworks except under the supervision of an adult person. This Act is enforced by the South African Police Service (SAPS), not by the SPCA. Please report any offences to your nearest police station, giving as many details as you possibly can and quoting the Act name and number, plus the relevant section as given above.
Ignorance of the law is no excuse and the penalties are severe. Do not be afraid to report offenders.
Using fireworks on private properties
We are referring to domestic properties in this section and to shop-bought fireworks. Whether or not it is legal to set off fireworks on a person’s own property is governed by the local by-laws. In some areas, no fireworks may be set off at any time without the written permission of the local authority. In other areas, it is permitted to set off fireworks on specified dates between certain times on domestic properties.
Please check local by-laws and make sure the by-laws you examine or are referred to are the most up-to-date ones. Many municipalities amended their by-laws recently, specifically on the issue of fireworks. Your Council or your local SPCA (or Animal Anti-Cruelty League) should be knowledgeable on the situation in your area.
In some areas, the discharging of fireworks could be an offence in terms of noise pollution. It is worth checking – and it is always worth reporting any untoward or hooligan use of fireworks. (Get comment from your municipality about crackers being banned or whether a designated area will be made available for fireworks)
How to keep your pets safe
Many domestic animals are frightened by loud noises, particularly the loud bangs and piercing sounds produced by fireworks. To avoid distress, you should take appropriate measures to ensure the well-being of your pets. If you are unsure as to how your pets will be affected, note that animals that are sensitive to thunderstorms are likely to react similarly to the noise of fireworks. If you are at all unsure of your pet’s reaction it is best to take precautionary measures.
Fireworks are a cause of panic for many pets, and we hope that these tips will help keep your animals happy and safe:
More family pets will run away from home during holidays involving fireworks than any other days of the year. As a precautionary measure, make sure your animals have identification tags to ensure that they are returned safely when they are found.
If possible, stay home with your animals if you suspect fireworks are about. If you can’t be home with your animals, keep them inside.
Make sure that your pets have access to their favourite ‘safe place’ or find a quiet, comfortable, enclosed room where your pets can ‘hide’ if they need to. Ensure that they cannot break through a window or slip out of a door.
Attempt to mask any noise by drawing curtains and playing calming music at a reasonable volume.
Put familiar and comforting things around them, such as toys and baskets, etc.
Provide them with something to do, such as giving your dog a chewy bone.
