As Tshwane residents prepare to welcome 2025 tonight, pet owners are reminded of the importance of keeping their animals safe and calm in the middle of all these festivities.
Each year, people celebrate the arrival of the New Year with fireworks that light up the sky in vibrant colours and sounds. However, for our pets, these colourful displays can quickly become a source of fear and stress.
According to the Tshwane SPCA, animals have acute hearing, and this heightened sensitivity means that all pets, not just dogs and cats, can be significantly affected by the loud noises associated with fireworks.
The SPCA advises that it is crucial for pet owners to be vigilant and take necessary precautions.
It has provided pet owners with the following tips to minimise stress for their animals:
– Stay at home with your pets and remain calm, as your calm attitude can encourage them to feel more secure.
– If you can’t be home with your pets, keep them indoors, preferably in a room such as the kitchen, where the windows are higher and more difficult to jump through.
– Try to reduce noise by closing curtains and playing calming music at a reasonable volume to lessen the effect of fireworks.
– Surround your pets with familiar items such as blankets, toys, or their favourite beds to help them feel at ease.
– For dogs, offer chew toys or bones. Cats may benefit from catnip toys to keep them occupied and distracted from the noise outside.
– Serve a hearty meal around sunset. A full stomach can help induce drowsiness, making it more likely that pets will sleep through the festivities.
– Bring rabbits and other outdoor animals into a sheltered area like a garage or outbuilding to protect them from the noise.
– Leave your pets to take refuge in a corner if they wish, as they may feel more comfortable in that position.
– Be careful of swimming pools and large water features, as frightened animals might fall into the water.
The SPCA has also emphasised the importance of ensuring that pets have proper identification.
“Microchip your pet to ensure that they are reunited with you as soon as possible,” it advises.
What to avoid:
Pet owners are cautioned against giving human medication to animals. “Never, ever give medication meant for humans to animals,” the SPCA warns.
This includes common drugs such as paracetamol, which can have tragic consequences for pets.
“Instead, consult a veterinarian for proper advice or to prescribe a pet-safe sedative if necessary.”
Reporting violations:
As fireworks can cause distress not only to animals but to people as well, residents are encouraged to report any illegal firework displays.
Tshwane SPCA encourages community members to contact local authorities if they witness any violations of firework safety regulations on the following:
– Fire or rescue incidents: 107 (toll-free) or 012 358 6300/6400.
– Disturbance of peace: Metro Police at 012 358 7095/6.
– Fire hazard premises: Emergency services, 012 310 6300/6400 or 012 310 6200 (08:00–16:00).
For emergencies related to animal distress, the Tshwane SPCA can be reached at Waltloo SPCA (083 453 3863) or Centurion SPCA (082 807 5671).
Alternative animal care facilities to contact for emergency veterinary care:
– Olympus Animal Hospital: 012 786 0967
– Valley Farm Animal Hospital: 066 302 2901
– Onderstepoort Animal Hospital: 012 529 8000
– Bakenkop Animal Clinic: 082 551 1966.
ALSO READ: Rein in new year fireworks celebrations – warns Tshwane EMS
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