{"id":72138,"date":"2014-11-01T09:05:00","date_gmt":"2014-11-01T07:05:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/germistoncitynews.co.za\/72138\/fireworks-cause-great-stress-for-animals\/"},"modified":"2014-10-31T14:07:08","modified_gmt":"2014-10-31T12:07:08","slug":"fireworks-cause-great-stress-for-animals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/news-headlines\/2014\/11\/01\/fireworks-cause-great-stress-for-animals\/","title":{"rendered":"Fireworks cause great stress for animals"},"content":{"rendered":"

With fireworks season upon us, and Guy Fawkes night on November 5, the Germiston SPCA is urging pet owners to take extra precautions with their pets.<\/p>\n

Laurence Kingston, manager of the Germiston SPCA, said: “The public is advised to ensure the safety and comfort of their animals.<\/p>

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“Keep pets indoors.<\/p>\n

“Do your utmost to minimise stress by being with them, distracting them by playing soft music and even consulting with your veterinarian for advice on medication that might assist.”<\/p>

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Kingston added that, while municipal regulations differ, the Explosives Act is national legislation which is enforced by the SAPS.<\/p>\n

“It is illegal to sell fireworks without a permit or to sell them in the open air,” he said.<\/p>\n

“It is an offence to discharge fireworks in a public place (without a permit) or on a public thoroughfare.”<\/p>\n

In Greater Johannesburg, while the by-laws provide dispensation for the use of fireworks between specified times at Diwali, it is an offence to discharge fireworks if an animal or animals are present.<\/p>\n

“Check the by-laws in your own area for clarity,” Kingston said.<\/p>\n

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