Animal welfare organisation take in more dogs since New Year’s
“Despite annual warnings to pet owners about the dangers of fireworks we continue to receive calls about animals suffering horrifically from the effects of fireworks. Most of these injuries could be avoided if organised events and fireworks activities are planned more carefully and kept away from residential areas and farm animals.”
Tshwane SPCA has noted a slight increase in animal intake since the beginning of New Year festivities at their organisations.
SPCA Tshwane general manager, Dewald Wahlstrand, said the animal welfare organisation was however coping after receiving more animals.
“We still have some space.”
Walstrand said there were also injuries observed on animals as a result of firework celebrations.
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He said usually, animals would try to escape from fireworks, which led them to suffering injuries when they ran away breaking through windows, fences, razor wire, end-cuts and also running into the streets and standing a chance of getting run over by a car or truck.
He said pet owners preparing to take care of their pets for the next festive celebrations, should keep them in a dim room with soft music playing. You could also give them a calming tablet.
The Tshwane SPCA appealed to everyone to be alert on the real effects of fireworks on animals.
“Despite annual warnings to pet owners about the dangers of fireworks we continue to receive calls about animals suffering horrifically from the effects of fireworks. Most of these injuries could be avoided if organised events and fireworks activities are planned more carefully and kept away from residential areas and farm animals.”
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It said animals subjected to noise and the flashing of lights of fireworks were harmed in several ways, including psychologically through extreme fear, which could persist even after the event.
“This can lead to a lifelong anxiety problem.”
The Tshwane SPCA said it believed no responsible person was allowed to set off fireworks knowing the terror that would be experienced by animals in the vicinity.
“Pets have hearing ability far in excess of that of humans. The bang you hear when a firework is set off is experienced seven times louder by your pet. Remember a dog can hear a grasshopper eat, so imagine the fear an animal feels when a firecracker explodes.”
Here is a guide to protect pets from fireworks:
– Never set off fireworks near any animal.
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– If possible, stay at home with your pets and encourage calm behaviour.
– If you can’t be home with them, keep them inside and preferably in a room such as the kitchen where the windows are higher (and more difficult to jump through).
– Attempt to reduce any noise by closing curtains and playing calming music at a reasonable volume, to reduce the noise and effect of fireworks.
– Place familiar and comforting items around them such as baskets, blankets, toys, etc.
– Provide them with something to do such as giving your dog a bone to chew or lots of catnip or a catnip toy for felines.
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– Ensure your pets have a hearty and nutritious meal around nightfall. This may make them drowsy and more likely to sleep.
– Take rabbits and other outdoor pets into a garage or outbuilding.
– Ask a veterinarian to prescribe a sedative.
– Never, ever give medication for humans to animals. This includes paracetamol and “Rescue Remedy”. Effects on humans and animals are not the same. The consequences could be tragic indeed. The effects and consequences may not be immediate, but long-term health damage could be caused to your pet.
– Leave your pets to take refuge in a corner if they wish. Rather leave your pet to hide, as they feel more comfortable in that position.
– Make sure pets are properly identified with a collar and name tag as well as a microchip. Should all your precautions fail and your pet does escape, you have a better chance of having your pet reunited with you.
– All cats’ collars should have an elastic insert.
– Dogs that panic can choke on a collar or leash so never use a choker chain or slip collar to restrain your dog.
Should you go on vacation, please remember that the SPCA provides boarding facilities for your pets.
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