Effects of fireworks on animals long lasting
Every year, more and more residents are unhappy about fireworks being set off in residential areas
POLOKWANE – Every year, more and more residents are unhappy about fireworks being set off in residential areas.
Animal breeders in the city have also complained on the effects fireworks have on their animals.
“When a dog is afraid of something, and it is given affection while it is afraid, it interprets that as the person saying ‘good dog for being afraid’, which intensifies the its fear. What the dog needs is someone to show it that they are strong enough to handle what is going on, so the dog can feed from them,” said Cindy Nell, a dog breeder from Polokwane.
“Dogs can sense how a human is feeling, therefore if you are afraid, upset, nervous or feeling sorry, the dog knows it. Without a strong being around the dog to feed from, the dog can become even more afraid,” she added.
She further said she had issues with her breeding pairs when fireworks went off as the stress from the loud sounds caused the bitch to be aggressive towards the male dogs, which resulted in the animals fighting, complicating the breeding process.
According to the Soetdorings and Doornbult Community Policing Forum (CPF) management, the law stated that residents must submit a recommendation to the Chief Inspector of Explosives, where it is endorsed by the Chief Fire Officer indicating that there are no outstanding requirements. Only then can residents be given a license to set off fireworks.
No fireworks allowed
To South African citizens peace of mind, a new fireworks regulation has been set in place. Part of the bylaws on fireworks state that the municipality does not issue any license for the use of fireworks.
The bylaws are also more strict on the dealers who sell fireworks:
1. The owner/occupant of the premises where fireworks are sold must comply with Section 20 of the municipal by-laws and such certificate shall be valid for a period of not exceeding one calendar year from the date of issuing thereof.
2. No person may deal in fireworks unless that person holds the required fireworks license in terms of the Explosives Act.
3. The licence can only be obtained through the Chief Inspector of Explosives at the SAPS.
4. Traders in fireworks must also have written authority of the Chief Fire Officer in compliance to all safety and fire requirements.
5. Firework displays must be approved by the Chief Fire Officer and is subject to the requirements of public safety and fire safety as dictated.
6. These include that any person who wishes to conduct a firework display must lodge an application in this regard with the fire service.
The application form must be submitted for processing to the offices of the fire service at least 14 working days prior to the planned display or selling of fireworks.
The applicant shall also be asked to show proof of the appointment of a pyro-technician to conduct the firework display further confirming that such pyro-technician shall at all times be present at the display and be responsible for the use of fireworks at the display.
Polokwane municipal spokesperson, Tidimalo Chuene, said unless authorized in terms of Section 38(4) of the Explosives Act, no person may light or ignite fireworks on any day or at any time in any place within the municipal area or boundaries.
She added that no person may light or ignite fireworks in display at any place where animals were present and any person who failed to comply with the provisions of this section was guilty of an offence and could be fined.
