Home

Animal activists warn of noise effects on animals

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Animal rights groups and pet owners braved rainy weather in Durban to raise awareness of the effects of loud bangs on animals.

This comes after New Year celebrations where many animals especially dogs went astray. A number of people as well as dogs were also reportedly injured.

Fireworks glaze the city’s skyline during festive season and some religious celebrations. The loud bangs often trigger the animal’s nervous system and they run for cover.

“I’m supporting against animal cruelty for fireworks. I think they’re terrible for animals. We’ve had an experience where he’s run away. He’s part of our family, and it was a terrifying experience not knowing where he was and we’re just here supporting them,” said one activist.

“I’m here to speak on behalf of the animals that can’t speak for themselves, and the trauma they go through when they have these fireworks or big bangs. I have a rescue dog, and sometimes I can’t find him for hours – and he’s traumatised for days afterwards,” added another activist.

Meanwhile, 7 people were admitted to hospitals throughout KwaZulu-Natal after New Year’s eve celebrations.  They were allegedly injured by fire crackers which resulted in amputations.

“What we would like to do is to get the municipality, the council to do what other cities do… where they have a display of fireworks in a central area that’s organised, where there’s music preferable to the loud bangs which would entertain crowds, and they don’t have to do it at home,”said Judy van der Westhuizen of Khethani Animal Rescue.

The eThekwini Municipality says it welcomes the recommendations.

Author

MOST READ