A time of trauma for pets

While fireworks sales rocketed before New Year's Eve, animals would once again pay the price by being traumatised.

Durban - While fireworks dealers were counting their profits as sales rocketed before New Year’s Eve, animals would once again pay the price by being traumatised.

Large banners advertising the sale of fireworks have been put up in front of shops in Church Street, Pietermaritzburg, and in the city’s northern suburbs.

Rishi Lutchman, a businessman who imports fireworks which he sells to retailers across the province, said that fireworks sold for the Hindu festival of lights, Diwali, and to usher in the new year.

However, sales were far greater for new year and the profit was better.

“This is because it is an open market, across all race groups and cultures,” said Lutchman.

But as the skies light up, pets become frightened and some end up paying the ultimate price.

Kloof and Highway SPCA spokeswoman Lisa Gadd said steps should be taken to protect pets.

“The loud bangs cause animals great distress, fear and suffering as their hearing is far more acute than ours.

“Some animals cause injury to themselves by jumping through glass windows, over spiked fences or by running into traffic.”

She advised that if pets were particularly frightened of fireworks, it would be best if the owner were to stay at home.

The best plan was to keep pets inside, draw the curtains and play calming music, or to entertain them by giving them something to chew on or play with.

She said the SPCA did not enforce laws relating to the use of fireworks. This was the responsibility of the police, and matters of concern needed to be reported.

Stray and lost animals could be brought to the standby kennels at the SPCA 24 hours a day.

For injured animals or emergencies, the number to call is 031 764 1212/3 during office hours, or 073 335 9322 after hours.

She said the SPCA would be open from 9.30am to 11.30am on New Year’s Day. Durban and Coast would be open from 8am to 4pm on Thursday and would be closed on Friday. But people could call the emergency number 083 212 6103 for help.

Inspectors were on standby around the clock and people could drop off stray animals, or those that had bolted out of fear of fireworks, any time at the SPCAs.

The eThekwini Municipality issued a warning on Wednesday that it would take a zero tolerance approach to misconduct in the handling of fireworks.

Municipal spokeswoman Tozi Mthethwa said fireworks could be set off only from 11.25pm on New Year’s Eve with a cut-off 15 minutes after midnight.

The Mercury

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