CROW calls for fireworks to be snuffed out

WITH year-end festivities such as New Year, Diwali and Christmas around the corner, the Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) has issued a warning following the anticipated illegal use of fireworks.
Dubbed the fireworks scene, thousands of people will be setting the sky alight with hundreds of firecrackers, many of which will include big bangs.
“While these displays of light and colours are spectacular and bring many people joy, it also brings a reign of terror on the region’s wildlife,” said CROW director, Paul Hoyte.

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As a result, CROW appeals for residents to think twice before launching fireworks and to take into account the impact their actions will have on both domestic and wild animals. “When it comes to domestic animals, people can easily stock up on calming pills or other vet-approved sedatives to assist their pets through this traumatic time. We must realise our wildlife is exposed throughout this season. Over the years we have seen a spike in CROW admissions directly after an evening of fireworks, resulting in baby animals being unnecessarily orphaned. This is particularly common among nesting birds and small mammals, as frightened animals flee from the safety of their dens and nests in the confusion created by the noise pollution of fireworks displays,” explained Hoyte.

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It’s not just the young which will be affected by displays. For birds, the panic created can lead them to become disorientated, causing them to fly into trees and buildings. On the ground, animals that flee in fear often cross into roads, causing them to be hit by passing vehicles.
After the displays, some scavenging animals have also been known to ingest parts of the fireworks, which usually results in death. To try and limit the number of animals that have to endure fireworks, the CROW team urges people to not hold private firework displays.

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The centre is also calling for public displays which will go ahead to focus on the use of low-noise fireworks in order to minimise the impact such events will have on local wildlife.

“We ask that people rather focus on the light aspect of the displays and not the loud explosions. KZN boasts a high level of biodiversity, which is something we should collectively protect by making a few sacrifices in order to live harmoniously with all living organisms,” said Hoyte.
For queries and more information, call CROW on 031-462-1127 or email info@crowkzn.co.za