Fireworks bring anguish to animals
2005-10-27
FOR animals, the period from November through to the end of January is probably one of the most traumatic times of the year.
November 5 sees the celebration of Guy Fawkes, and then the festive season literally starts off with a bang.
Around each corner people will be shooting off fireworks and each year hundreds of animals, especially dogs, are driven away from their protected environments in fear of their lives.
To ease the stress for your animals, a new tablet is available from veterinary surgeries which relaxes them during this time to relieve their anguish.
Leanne Stewart, a sister at the Wellington Animal Hospital, said that every year animals take to the streets to escape this terrible ritual of the shooting of fireworks, many of them being killed or injured in the roads.
This tablet, an anxiolytic, makes them relaxed, without drugging them entirely.
Linda Groenewald, manager of the SPCA in Paarl, said that the SPCA as well as Leliefontein Kennels, will be making their facilities available to the public to board animals free of charge during Guy Fawkes evening.
She added that children under the age of 18 may under no circumstances handle or buy fireworks and that if children are found in the possession of fireworks, they will be confiscated and further action will be taken against the guilty parties.
A sentence of up to six months or a fine of up to R1000 may be imposed.
The police have appealed to the public to enforce strict safety measures when handling fireworks.
Only three venues in the Drakenstein area have been opened for the shooting of fireworks during Guy Fawkes, and they are the Boy Louw Sportsgrounds, Orleans Park and Dal Josaphat Stadium.
More
News
|
