In the aftermath of New Year’s Day celebrations marked by waves of fireworks, social media has been filled with messages from locals looking for their runaway pets.

Local kennels and veterinary practices are filled to the brim with traumatised or injured animals.

Prior warnings and messages from the Govan Mbeki Municipality urging residents to make use of designated spots to set off their fireworks fell on deaf ears, and the banging of exploding crackers could be heard in residential areas throughout the nights of December 31 and January 1.

Marius van Reeuwyk, chief inspector at the South African Animal Welfare Inspectorate Association (SAAWIA), was out on the streets on both nights looking for animals that had run off.

“The fireworks were non-stop.

“Besides people disregarding the municipal bylaws by setting off fireworks in their own backyards, because there is no one enforcing the law, I also believe some pet owners contribute to the problem.

“Why go out when you know there will be fireworks? Don’t just lock them in your yard and think they are okay,” stated Van Reeuwyk.

“Your animals are your responsibility, and you should cater for their needs – even if it means staying at home and keeping your dogs calm throughout the night.”

One of the animals injured during the firework carnage was a stray dog in Evander.

This fluffy pooch became stuck in the palisade fence of the Maria Old Age Home.

According to Nicolette van Zyl from Feral Watch & TNR, a spike tore through the dog’s hind leg, severely injuring her knee.

Willem Pretorius of Teksa Alarms used a power tool to cut the palisade spike from the fence.

“The dog, with the piece of metal still in her, was taken to the Evander Animal Clinic, where she was rushed into theatre.

“Her leg is going to take a long time to heal. As if that wasn’t enough, she also tested positive for tick bite fever,” said Van Zyl.

Van Zyl believes the suffering endured by ownerless animals might be even greater.

“When I look at this, and I think back to the non-stop fireworks on New Year’s Eve, I know people just don’t care – not for animals inside a yard, and even less for strays and feral animals.”

Van Zyl thanked everyone who helped rescue the trapped dog.

Stephanie van der Walt of Khulula Animal Welfare Shelter described the fireworks on December 31 as the worst.
“The trauma animals endure during fireworks is impossible to put into words fully.

“Even well-prepared families tried everything this year – from CBD biscuits to keeping pets safely contained indoors with the TV turned up to soften the blasts – yet many animals still suffered.

“Others were left outside and unprotected as the fireworks began, a level of irresponsibility that puts lives at risk.”
Van der Walt said when precautions come too late, terrified animals bolt into roads and shelters face an influx of the injured and the lost the next day.

“Five seconds of human excitement is never worth the fear it creates for them.”