The Hindu celebration of Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, falls on October 30. On the days leading up to this date and on the night in question, many people celebrate by setting off fireworks.
“We have no trouble with lights, it is the loud bangs and noises to which we totally object. In terms of our constitution and religious/cultural freedom such events are allowed although local by-laws usually specify times fireworks can be let off, ” said Vanja Ingold from the Alberton SPCA.
Please start preparing your pets now.
If there are going to be fireworks it is important to keep your pets safe. All dogs have acute hearing, especially Staffies and Border collies, so the noise of fireworks is excessively loud and intrusive to them. It is important to keep your pets inside, turn on the radio and TV and, most importantly, act as normal. Do not sit and fuss your pets as they will think they are being rewarded for being stressful as good behaviour. Give your pet a safe place to be in the house and ensure all windows and doors are shut. Try to stay home with your pets rather than going out. It is important to keep your cats inside and cover birds or other small animal cages with blankets. If you do have to leave the house, don’t get angry with your pet if you find they have been destructive or toileted after being left on their own. Shouting at a frightened pet will only make them more stressed.
Every year thousands of pets will suffer as a result of fireworks being let off and many end up at the SPCA. Please ensure your pets are microchipped and/or have collars and discs on and that your information is up to date so that if your pet does run away the SPCA can quickly reunite you with your lost pet. However, it is up to you as the owner to ensure your pets cannot get out and are kept safe. If they do escape, it is important you report them immediately and visit your local SPCA to see if your pet is there.
“It is often days before people come looking for their pets and it’s frustrating for the SPCA staff, not to mention traumatic for the pet. If your pets are totally frantic there are veterinary and homeopathic products on sale at your local vets. You must start administering these products before the event.
“Please be considerate and don’t buy fireworks and oppose firework events. They really are unnecessary,” said the members.
Alberton SPCA would also like to take this opportunity to wish all their Hindu supporters a happy Diwali.
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