As Diwali celebrations approach, the Durban and Coast SPCA has issued a warning against fireworks cruelty, citing the distress and harm caused to animals by the noise and flashes of fireworks. According to the eThekwini Municipality's by-laws, the use of fireworks is permitted from sunset to midnight on the day of Diwali. The SPCA has urged residents to take necessary precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of their pets during this time.
Marketing Coordinator for the Durban and Coast SPCA, Krystal Pretorius, explained that animals do not understand what fireworks are or why the sudden, loud explosions occur. Their sensitive hearing and the unexpected bangs, flashes, and vibrations can cause extreme fear and anxiety. As a result, animals may shake, pant, and hide, while dogs may panic and attempt to escape, potentially leading to injuries or loss.
Pretorius stated that fireworks-related cruelty against animals is driven by a lack of compassion and consideration. Some individuals deliberately torment and frighten animals by throwing fireworks at them, resulting in trauma and pain. Documented examples of cruelty to animals include throwing lit fireworks at animals, attaching explosive devices to them, and setting fireworks off in confined spaces where animals cannot escape.
The SPCA has emphasized that such actions are not harmless pranks, but rather serious acts of cruelty that can result in prosecution in accordance with the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962. Pretorius urged pet owners to take necessary precautions to ensure their pets' safety, including keeping them indoors, securing gates, windows, and doors, and providing a calm environment to mask the noise of fireworks.
The South African Hindu Maha Sabha's (SAHMS) Chairperson for legal matters, Simi Sharma, supported the responsible use of fireworks during Diwali, emphasizing the importance of complying with local municipal by-laws and being mindful of fellow residents and their animals. The SAHMS opposes big-bangs and understands that all legally imported fireworks conform to a certain noise standard permitted in South Africa.
The SPCA has provided suggested precautionary measures to pet owners, including keeping pets indoors, securing gates, windows, and doors, closing windows and drawing curtains, and playing gentle music or keeping the television on to mask the noise of fireworks. Pet owners are also advised to stay with their pets and consult a veterinarian for calming medication if necessary.
As Diwali celebrations approach, the Durban and Coast SPCA and the SAHMS are working together to promote responsible and safe celebrations that prioritize the well-being of animals. By taking necessary precautions and being mindful of the impact of fireworks on animals, residents can help ensure a safe and enjoyable celebration for all.
Key points
- The SPCA urges residents to follow fireworks rules and protect pets from fear, injury, and escape during Diwali celebrations.
- Fireworks-related cruelty against animals is driven by a lack of compassion and consideration, resulting in trauma and pain for animals.
- The SPCA and SAHMS are promoting responsible and safe celebrations that prioritize the well-being of animals during Diwali.
