Organisations appeal for ban on fireworks
While Port Elizabeth residents are gearing up to set off fireworks today, animal welfare organisations are urging people to join a movement to have them banned.
A number of animal welfare organisations have called on residents to take a stand by joining a Facebook campaign called Fireworks Must Fall (FWMF).
“The consequences of relatively few people having ‘fun’ by playing with fireworks in residential areas, has had severe consequences for pets, wildlife, those who are ill or elderly, to say nothing of the children who have been hurt. It is now time that fireworks are seen for what they are, a terrible cause of pain and suffering,” the page states.
Fireworks enthusiasts have also been warned by police to stick to designated areas when setting off fireworks in celebration of Guy Fawkes Day.
Culprits found to be setting off fireworks illegally will be charged and could be fined R2 000 or face arrest.
The organisations, which include the Uitenhage SPCA, Save-A-Pet and the Animal Welfare Society, said they would be on high alert this weekend.
Animal Anti-Cruelty League (AACL) spokeswoman LindaLouise Swain said the areas that had the biggest displays normally resulted in the highest number of runaway and injured animals.
“Many people might not know how fireworks affect the animals. Their hearing is much more acute than ours, so what is a loud bang to us sounds like a bomb explosion to them,” she said.
She also said the AACL was running a campaign this month at the various dog dipping spots, where children would receive gifts in exchange for fireworks or tyres.
Save-A-Pet animal shelter chairwoman Gill Coetzee said the shelter would do whatever it could to assist animals.
She said there were kennels available for people to leave their pets for the weekend.
“People need to be aware of the consequences of setting off firecrackers,” she said.
Uitenhage SPCA chairwoman Deirdre Swift said an influx of injured or distressed animals was expected.
“We will have a few kennels available for people who want to leave their animals with us for the weekend,” Swift said.
