Rain may have the final say in the use of fireworks to celebrate our entry into 2024. Weather forecasts point to a wet Sunday evening from 20h00 through until well after midnight.
This will come as good news to many pet owners. Every year there are reports of animals being traumatised by the sounds of loud bangs and whistles caused by fireworks being let off. Domestic pets can hear sounds up to five times further away than humans.
However, those that are determined to celebrate New Year’s Eve with fireworks, must adhere to municipal bylaws.
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Executive Director for Safety and Security, Advocate Keith Meyer, said: “We encourage residents to discharge their fireworks at these legislated demarcated areas to ensure that everybody enjoys New Year’s Eve without unnecessary disturbance or distress to animals.”Fireworks may only be discharged on the sandy areas of Wells Estate Beach and Bluewater Bay Beach. They are not permitted on grassed areas as well as sand dunes.
Offences and penalties
Any person not adhering to the regulations may be fined, or even face imprisonment.
Aerial fireworks may only be discharged with the express permission of the Regional Inspector of Explosives (SAPS) at Tel No: 041 398 2300.
General Safety Precautions:
-
- Do not try to re-ignite fireworks.
- When fireworks do not discharge, do not approach such fireworks immediately, as a delayed discharge or explosion may occur.
- Fireworks should not be discharged whilst being held in the hand.
- Do not bind fireworks together; light them one by one.
- Keep pets indoors whilst fireworks are being set off. They become afraid, nervous, disorientated and could also become aggressive. It is a very stressful experience for animals, so please preferably avoid their exposure to fireworks. If avoidance is not possible, please minimize their exposure to fireworks to the least amount of time possible.
- Any complaints regarding the discharge of fireworks should be reported to the Safety and Security Control Centre at 041 5851555 or to SAPS at 10111.
