The Cape of Good Hope SPCA recorded 81 calls during Thursday night's Guy Fawkes celebrations, a 59% increase from the 51 calls received last year. At least five animals required urgent veterinary attention. The SPCA's communications manager, Belinda Abraham, condemned the continued use of fireworks, saying, "Max should still be alive today," referring to a dog that died after being impaled while trying to escape fireworks in Delft.
A dog named Max, from Delft, panicked when fireworks erupted and attempted to squeeze through the bars of a gate, resulting in fatal injuries. An SPCA collection officer, escorted by the City's Law Enforcement Animal Control Auxiliary Unit, rushed him to a private veterinary practice, but he was eventually humanely euthanised due to severe injuries to his intestines and bladder. Abraham urged residents to celebrate without fireworks, saying, "Every bang carries into the homes around you. Please think of the animals inside."
Animal Welfare Society of South Africa spokesperson Allan Perrins said their teams conducted proactive patrols in Mitchells Plain, Hanover Park, and Beacon Valley, where fireworks activity was particularly problematic. However, their operations were disrupted when armed gangsters allegedly intimidated welfare workers, forcing them to withdraw for their own safety. Perrins described Mitchells Plain as one of the worst-affected areas until approximately 10:30 pm on Thursday.
The Animal Welfare Society of South Africa also discovered a mother dog and her young puppies in a drain, suspected to have been seeking shelter. The animals tested positive for canine distemper and had to be humanely euthanised. Perrins urged residents to protect their animals from both the loud explosions and flashing lights associated with fireworks, suggesting ways to reduce distress, such as playing soft music or closing curtains.
The City of Cape Town confirmed sporadic reports of antisocial behaviour linked to Guy Fawkes in Lavender Hill, Lotus River, and Elsies River, including vehicles being stoned and passers-by being attacked with paint and other substances. The City's Public Emergency Communication Centre also received complaints about illegal fireworks. The municipality reiterated that fireworks may only be discharged at authorised displays with the necessary permits.
The SPCA warned residents against potentially misleading animal rescue appeals after an image from one of its previous rescues appeared in a donation request by Youth Pet Care founder Nazrudeen Adams. Abraham urged donors to verify photographs, rescue details, and veterinary accounts before contributing money, saying, "Before donating, check when and where the case happened, when the photos first appeared and what your money will pay for."
Residents can report distressed animals to the SPCA on 021 700 4158 or 021 700 4159, or after hours on 083 326 1604. Illegal fireworks and related disturbances can be reported to the City on 021 480 7700. The City's enforcement agencies are increasing deployment, particularly in areas where incidents have surfaced in the past, appealing to the public to refrain from behaviours that can result in serious injury and criminal charges.
Key points
- The Cape of Good Hope SPCA recorded 81 calls during Guy Fawkes night, a 59% increase from last year.
- At least five animals required urgent veterinary attention due to fireworks-related injuries.
- The SPCA and Animal Welfare Society of South Africa urged residents to celebrate without fireworks and protect their animals from distress.
