Fireworks displace and hurt multiple animals
Due to festive season and New Year’s Eve fireworks, a vast number of animals went missing and have still not been found.
“We had an influx of animals due to the festive season activities; these include strays, abandoned, abused and animals that tried to escape the fireworks,” says Boksburg SPCA manager Wilma Steynbergh.
“Twelve dogs and three cats that were abandoned were admitted to our SPCA.”
Seven dogs were confiscated pending investigation and 120 dogs and cats were admitted during the period when fireworks were evident.
The Boksburg SPCA’s veterinarian had to attend to two injured dogs as a result of the animals trying to escape from the noise and bright lights associated with fireworks displays.
The worst case involved a dachshund that tried to escape and got stuck in palisades. Its injuries were so extensive that the dog could not be saved.
These two cases exclude cases handled by private veterinarians.
“The good news is that most of the animals in our care were claimed; we ask that owners who have lost their pets visit the SPCA in order to hopefully identify the beloved animals,” said Steynbergh.
“Over 40 strays are still in our care and we are hopeful that they will be re-united with their owners.”
Numerous wild birds, including an owl and two falcons that were injured due to reckless behaviour by community members, were treated successfully.
On New Year’s Eve, Steynbergh reached out to the community on the Boksburg SPCA website, stating: “Hopefully you are all able to look forward to enjoying the arrival of midnight and the beginning of the New Year with your loved ones. I, for one, am staying home with my pets, as the Gizzy is frantic when he hears the sound of fireworks.
“He is sitting on my lap, shaking at this very moment. So sad that the animals pay the price for some people who are ignorant and merely do not care. My New Year’s wish is that people will realise what harm they cause to animals when they so carelessly ‘enjoy’ fireworks.
“I wish they can see what we experience and refrain from setting off fireworks. I wish they can feel the pain when an animal is stuck in a broken window, or palisades, in an attempt to get away from the imminent danger.
“I wish they can feel our anguish for these animals.”
She added: “Please do not use fireworks or attend displays. Please stay with your pets if possible. Please keep them safe in a room and switch on the radio or TV.
“If possible, please administer a natural calming substance, such as ‘Rescue Remedy’ if you know that your pet is sensitive to the noise.”
