POLOKWANE – As festive celebrations approach, the SPCA Polokwane is calling on residents to take extra precautions to protect their pets from the distress caused by fireworks.

SPCA manager Selma Landman says fireworks remain one of the biggest triggers of fear and disorientation in animals during the holidays.

She warns that even pets kept behind locked gates often panic and escape.

“Animals should be kept inside a secure room with music or background noise to help lessen the impact of fireworks,” Landman said.

“Terrified pets can jump fences, run into traffic, get lost, die of fright or end up severely injured. All animals, not just sensitive ones, are frightened by fireworks.”

Animal welfare organisation Four Paws South Africa echoed the warning, explaining that fireworks can cause long-term distress in pets and wildlife.

The organisation said understanding how animals perceive sound and light can help caregivers protect them more effectively.

Why animals fear fireworks

• They hear much louder than humans
• Dogs and cats perceive noise at far higher volumes and frequencies than humans, making fireworks unbearably loud and startling.
• Fireworks are unpredictable
• The sudden, irregular explosions signal danger to animals, triggering a natural instinct to flee and find safety.
• Flashing lights resemble severe storms and the bright flashes can feel as threatening as lightning.
• Combined with extended bursts (sometimes 48 hours before and after an event), pets may experience a fear response similar to storm phobia (astraphobia).
• Closer and more intense than thunderstorms
• Because fireworks explode closer to the ground, the lights, sounds, smoke and acrid smells overwhelm animals’ senses.
• Just one bad experience can create long-term fear, and repeated exposure over festive periods often leads to worsened sensitivity over time.

Landman urged the community to be vigilant and report any cruelty or distressed, wandering animals to SPCA inspectors.

“Residents are our eyes and ears. Please report cruelty or abandoned, injured or runaway animals to 082 804 0065,” she said.