Johannesburg Emergency Services and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) have urged SA residents and traders to comply with the city’s by-laws regarding fireworks to minimize potential harm to animals.
With only a few hours away from the beginning of a brand-New Year, fireworks are ready for takeoff. But there are dangers surrounding the use of Fireworks.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable New Year’s celebration, the Johannesburg Emergency Services has warned residents and those who are selling them that non-compliance to the City’s bylaws might result in substantial fines.
“As for this time of the year, we concentrate more on our by law enforcement, and we’ve got a unit that deals specifically with training or public awareness to make our citizens of to be aware of the dangers surrounding fireworks, because we are aware, during this time of the year, the majority of our people will be going to different establishments just to buy crackers where they’re going to celebrate, especially December 31 and January 1,” says Clement Masinge, Acting Chief Emergency Management Services at City of Joburg.
Residents have also been warned to be mindful when handling fireworks as it can result in serious injuries.
“And also to the user himself or herself, in that such firecrackers, if they are not used, used properly, they may endanger the user, where one will end up in hospital or in another area which is not good for them when it comes to this season. As I said earlier on that we have established what is called a team that is busy doing such training to our communities,” Masinge added.
Animals often experience extreme distress during New Year’s celebrations. The sound of firecrackers can cause them to flee in panic leading to devastating consequences, including fatal accidents and life-threatening situations in the streets.
The NSPCA has advised residents to take care of their pets during this time.
“We recommend that you visit your vet, your dogs or your cats, vet prior to when you expect fireworks to be settled. So, ideally a week. But you know, we coming a little bit close now, so a few hours beforehand, your vet can prescribe a sedative that will just help your animal cope with the noise, keep them in a nice dark, quiet room, close the curtains just to buffer any external noise, and if possible, play some calming and relaxing music for them,” says Samanta Stelli, NSPCA Spokesperson.
The NSPCA says a 24-hour vet will be on standby should any animals be injured.
Emergency services has warned residents to use fireworks with extreme caution, and to take the safety of those around them in consideration.
--SABC--
