The Cape of Good Hope SPCA has reported a significantly calmer Guy Fawkes compared to previous years. It attributed this to team efforts of Law Enforcement officials and the SPCA
The animal welfare organisation said between 4am on
Wednesday, and 7am on Thursday, the SPCA’s Inspectorate received 51 calls, of
which only seven were related to fireworks - a marked improvement, it says,
compared to previous years.
SCREENSHOTSome incidents reported includes a dog trapped between a
wall and a Wendy house in Delft; children throwing fireworks at a dog in
Claremont; a dog attacking family members in Seawinds in reaction to fireworks,
and another case in Mitchells Plain where a dog attacked its owner after being
startled by explosions.
‘’While it was a quieter night overall, fireworks-related
calls were still received across several City departments, with the highest
volumes coming from Mitchell’s Plain, particularly in Tafelsig and then also in
Bishop Lavis. Some reports led to the confiscation of fireworks and the issuing
of fines by City Law Enforcement Officials
while others received vis the SPCA'S 24 hour line were routine welfare calls
about sick or injured animals unrelated to fireworks,’’ said Belinda Abraham,
Cape of Good Hope SPCA spokesperson.
She expressed gratitude for the collaboration that made
this year’s response possible:
“We need to specifically thank Law Enforcement for the role
they played that enabled us to do our work regardless of all the disorderly
behaviour going on and for their active work within the communities to find
perpetrators and confiscate fireworks, as well as issuing fines. This deterred
unconscionable people from causing further harm to animals.”
Abraham added that the Cape Animal Welfare Forum had
reached a consensus that fireworks-related complaints had declined compared to
previous years, a positive indication that community awareness and enforcement
are having an impact. However, concerns remain about animals that may have run
away in fear.
“Terrified animals can cover great distances, and animals from the hardest hit areas could be anywhere by now,” she said.
The SPCA is urging residents to remain vigilant for
frightened or displaced animals and wildlife that may still be seeking safety
following last night’s disturbances.
If your pet has gone missing, please report it using the
online form at https://capespca.co.za/services/lost-and-found/ or contact the
SPCA Lost and Found Department on 021 700 4166 or via lostandfound@spca-ct.co.za.
Done By: Mitchum George
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