Content warning: This article contains distressing details about animal deaths, animal cruelty and injuries sustained by a dog while attempting to escape fireworks. Discretion is advised.
Cape Town recorded more than double the number of fireworks-related incidents during this year’s Guy Fawkes period, with the celebrations leaving communities dealing with noise, disturbances and serious animal welfare concerns, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The City of Cape Town received 344 reports involving the discharge of fireworks between 3 and 5 November 2026, compared with 156 incidents recorded over the same period last year.
The impact on animals was also highlighted by the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, which reported that a dog in Delft, named Max, had to be humanely euthanised after suffering severe injuries while trying to escape fireworks.
Delft dog dies after trying to escape fireworks
The consequences of the celebrations were particularly devastating for one Delft family after their dog, Max, sustained fatal injuries while attempting to escape the sound of fireworks.
According to the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, Max was inside his home on Guy Fawkes night when fireworks started going off shortly after dark.
His family had locked the security gate to keep him safe, but the frightened dog tried to squeeze between the bars and was impaled.
An SPCA collection officer rushed Max to a private veterinary practice for emergency treatment, accompanied by the City’s Law Enforcement Animal Control Auxiliary Unit.
However, scans revealed severe injuries to his intestines and bladder. Max was subsequently humanely euthanised.
He was among at least five animals that required urgent veterinary attention during the SPCA’s Guy Fawkes response.
The organisation’s eight inspectors worked through the night, recording 81 calls during the operation, compared with 51 calls received during the same period last year.
Belinda Abraham, Communications Manager at the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, said Max should still be alive and extended the organisation’s condolences to his family.
She also reminded residents that fireworks can affect animals inside their homes, urging the public to consider their pets before setting them off.
Fireworks incidents more than double
According to the City, 243 fireworks-related incidents were reported on Guy Fawkes Day alone, which fell on Thursday, 5 November.
Complaints came from several communities, including Saxonsea, Lentegeur, Hanover Park, Surrey Estate, Manenberg, Mamre, Bonteheuwel and The Hague.
City enforcement departments and other agencies conducted patrols to respond to incidents involving fireworks. However, officers faced difficulties apprehending those responsible, as groups frequently moved between locations.
Reports of sporadic stone throwing and anti-social behaviour were also received.
The City cautioned that the actual number of incidents could be higher, as not all occurrences are necessarily reported to its Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC).
City calls for an end to Guy Fawkes disruptions
The increase in reported incidents has prompted renewed concern from the City about the disruption experienced by affected communities.
Wayne Dyason, spokesperson for the City’s Law Enforcement Department, said the celebrations had once again brought unnecessary noise, violence and disorder to neighbourhoods.
He added that residents had been traumatised by the incidents, while enforcement teams faced additional pressure responding to complaints.
Dyason called on communities to assist officers by reporting the discharge of fireworks and other disturbances, expressing hope that fewer incidents would be recorded next year.
How to report fireworks incidents and animal cruelty
Residents who witness fireworks-related incidents can contact the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700 from a cellphone. Reports can also be submitted through the Safety and Security reporting feature on the City of Cape Town app.
For suspected animal cruelty or animals in distress, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA can be contacted on:
- Office hours: 021 700 4158 or 021 700 4159
- After-hours emergencies: 083 326 1604
The SPCA has urged residents to report animals that may still be frightened, injured or displaced following Guy Fawkes.
With fireworks reports more than doubling and the SPCA responding to animals in distress, this year’s incidents have renewed questions about the impact of the celebrations on both communities and their animals.
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Picture: Cape of Good Hope SPCA
