The Cape of Good Hope SPCA says it was inundated with distress calls on the first two days of the new year following the City’s approval of fireworks at the V&A Waterfront.
Also read: SPCA calls on pet owners to record animals’ reactions to fireworks
The organisation’s inspectors were on-site at the V&A Waterfront to monitor marine birds on nests as well as other wildlife, as per a statement.
‘Our inspectors reported seeing marine bird pandemonium erupt as the fireworks display started. Hundreds of Hartlaub’s gulls took to the air and were seen colliding with one another mid-air in fear and confusion at the cacophony of loud banging noises.’
The SPCA states that 22 seals on the V&A’s Seal Platform were ‘jarred awake into a sudden panic’ by the fireworks, resulting in them barking and biting each other. ‘It was heartbreaking to see these usually placid animals scared into flight or fight mode in response to a danger they had no idea how to handle.’
‘If everyone who thinks that fireworks have no impact on animals could just have witnessed what we saw, we think they would change their minds very quickly,’ says Jon Friedman, SPCA Wildlife Department supervisor.
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA had expressed their concern to the management of the V&A Waterfront in the lead-up to New Year’s Eve, including seeking a High Court application to interdict the fireworks display taking place.
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The organisation also received reports from across the metro of injured and panicked domestic animals. As per the statement, wild animals ‘fell victim to firework-related suffering, among the reported casualties were several birds, an injured duiker, and a squirrel. Reports of injured sea birds are still being received and have come from as far away as Melkbostrand and Fishoek Beach.’
‘Loud, percussive noises (eg fireworks) are deeply distressing to animals, who do not understand the source of the sudden and terrifying stimuli. This causes animals to flee in panic, leading to accidents, injuries, and in some cases, even death.’
‘Fireworks, while visually appealing to humans, have severe, long-lasting and often tragic consequences for animals. The trauma of percussive loud noises often lingers in animals with sensitive hearing (eg, dogs, cats and seals), meaning that they remain frightened of any loud noise (thunder, a door banging, a car back-firing) long after the actual noise event has passed.’
The SPCA announced an appeal to the V&A Waterfront and other event organisers to recognise the shared responsibility of protecting vulnerable wildlife.
It also called on the public to report any sightings of animals who have been displaced or hiding in fear by contacting 0217004158/9 or 0833261604 (a/h). If your pet has gone missing, report it via this link.
The lost and found department can be contacted at 0217004166.
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Also read:
NYE fireworks saga: WC High Court dismisses SPCA’s interdict application
Picture: Julia Fiander / Unsplash