Keep pets safe on Guy Fawkes

DON’T ignore your pets during fireworks: the loud noises can terrify them, so be a good pet owner and put their safety and comfort first.Read More
Fireworks can be marvel to watch, but are hurtful to pets like dogs

Don't ignore your pets during fireworks: the loud noises can terrify them, so be a good pet owner and put their safety and comfort first.
TAKE animals into consideration on Guy Fawkes night, the Johannesburg Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (JSPCA) urges people.

Thinks of your pets before letting off fireworksThink of your pets before using fireworksThis comes after recent celebrations such as Diwali, when a kaleidoscope of brightly coloured fireworks lit up the night sky.

According to the JSPCA, animals’ hearing is far more acute than that of humans, and the fireworks distress and frighten pets. The society has reported incidents of dogs jumping through windows and impaling themselves on fences, while trying to run away from the noise of fireworks.

Guy Fawkes night on 5 November is traditionally celebrated with fireworks and bonfires, and dressing up, and people are advised to take the necessary precautions. Importantly, keep your pets, not only dogs, safe and sound indoors with the lights dimmed and the curtains closed.

Gun Powder Plot
The celebration is a British tradition, where it is more commonly known as Bonfire Night. It marks the Gun Powder Plot of 1605, when Guy Fawkes and 12 other Catholic conspirators planned to blow up the British Houses of Parliament and destroy the king on 5 November.

But Fawkes was found hiding in the cellar before he could set alight the gunpowder. He was tried and sentenced to death. Along with his co-conspirators, he was hanged, drawn and quartered.

There are also strict City by-laws regarding the use of fireworks that should be taken into consideration: no person under the age of 16 is allowed to handle or use fireworks, unless under the supervision of an adult. Retailers may also not sell fireworks to anyone under the age of 16.

Lighting fireworks in any place where animals are present is punishable with a R1 000 fine. Other areas where fireworks may not be used include within 500 metres of any explosives factory, explosives storage place, petrol depot or petrol station, inside any building, at any public place, or at any school, old age home or hospital.

Fireworks may only be set off between 7pm and 10pm.

Crackers are dangerous and safety is essential. Those who plan to have their own display should ensure that the fireworks are handled by adults while children watch from a safe distance.

Crackers should only be used outdoors in an open space and they should be lit one at a time. If the device doesn’t ignite, don’t stand over it or try to relight it – instead, douse it thoroughly with water.

Check the wind direction before starting the display and pick up all the remains of the fireworks and keep them out of children’s reach.

Pets
About pets, the JSPCA says: “You and I are capable of understanding that the noise is temporary and unlikely to be harmful. Pets often become terrified and disoriented.”

It has a few tips to keep animals calm and fear-free.

Preparing pets for fireworks, or even thunderstorms:

Make sure dogs get plenty of exercise earlier in the day. Try a light jog or brisk walk, play a game of Frisbee or fetch. Jogging with cats is not recommended.
Keep pets indoors when thunderstorms or fireworks are expected, preferably with human companionship.
Close all windows, curtains and doors where possible to block out flashing lights and sounds.
Provide toys, treats and other distractions to keep pets occupied. A frozen treat like a chicken stock popsicle is advised.
Try to stay at home with your pet if fireworks or thunderstorms are expected.
Make sure your pet is micro-chipped or appropriately tagged for easy identification if they become lost.
Speak to a vet about supplements and medication for managing anxiety caused by loud noises.
How to keep an anxious or scared pet calm:

Turn on music or the television to muffle the sound but nothing too loud. It is most effective when the music or television is on well before the thunderstorm or fireworks start, preferably at a time the dog is already peaceful and relaxed.
Don’t fuss over or punish pets if they become agitated with the sounds; doing so only makes the behaviour worse.
Act as if all is normal and ignore the fearful behaviour, unless it is hazardous to the animal.
Provide a secure place, preferably indoors, so that the pet can’t escape your property if it is startled by loud noises.
Allow the pet to hide in a safe place if they choose, such as a blanket lined cupboard. When scared of sounds they can’t pinpoint the location of, dogs often prefer small enclosed areas.
If pets runs to hide in a corner or under the bed, don’t try to coax them out, let them be where it feels safe.
Owners should ensure that they are calm and stress-free so that their pets’ fear doesn’t mirror theirs.
Harming an animal with fireworks is a criminal offence. Concerned members of the public are urged to report any acts of alleged cruelty to the JSPCA’s 24-hour control centre on 083 604 1172 or 011 681 3600. They can also contact their local police to lodge complaints regarding the illegal use of fireworks.