With the festive season approaching, the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has asked the public to refrain from using fireworks on domestic properties.

Limpopo Animal Inspector Mr Lawrence Khodobo has requested people to play it safe when it comes to crackers.

"Animals are dependent on our kindness and compassion for their well-being. In this festive season, let us never forget that our animals are part of our society and that we, as responsible people, are duty-bound to take care of them in the best possible way," a former minister of Land Affairs and Agriculture says in the SPCA leaflet.

Why are dogs and cats so scared by the sound of fireworks?

According to the SPCA Guide on Fireworks, cats and dogs are able to hear a wider range of sounds, and much softer sounds than humans. Cats can hear sounds of at least two-and-a-half octaves higher than humans can. This is why dogs and cats respond to dog whistles. The sound is too high for us to hear, but still within their hearing range. Cats and dogs also respond to a much lower intensity of sound than humans. Dogs can hear five times more accurately than humans and cats twice as accurately as dogs. A dog can hear a whisper more than three times as far away as a human and cats are even more sensitive than dogs to these soft sounds. This explains why dogs and cats are so scared by the sound of fireworks, which, to humans, do not seem so loud. They are in fact at least five times louder to pets.

Penalties for contravening the Explosives Act are severe. According to the Explosives Act, no 26 of 1956, it is unlawful to discharge any fireworks in any building, on any public thoroughfare or in any public place or resort without written permission of the local authority (section 10.34). In terms of the Explosives Act, no person shall allow or permit any children under the age of 16 to handle or use fireworks except under the supervision of an adult person. The Act is enforced by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and any offences should be reported.

In some areas, the discharging of fireworks could be an offence in terms of noise pollution. The sale of fireworks falls under the Explosives Act and conditions for sale are strict. It is not possible for any informal sale of fireworks, such as hawkers, road-side or any open-air sellers, to conform to this act. It is imperative that any informal displays of fireworks for sale or sellers of fireworks in the open air be reported to the SAPS.

Any seller of fireworks must be in possession of a current license issued by the Chief Inspector of the Department of Explosives. There are also strict conditions for displaying and packaging of fireworks in shops.

The SPCA says that people must be responsible and care for traumatized pets. Ensure that all animals have identification. If possible, stay at home with pets if you suspect fireworks will be used. Keep them inside and preferably in a room, such as the kitchen, where the windows are higher and more difficult to jump through. Attempt to mask any noise by drawing curtains and playing calming music at a reasonable volume. Put familiar and comforting things around them, such as toys and baskets. Provide them with something to do such as giving your dog a chewy bone or lots of catnip or a catnip toy for felines. Seek professional advice from your veterinarian. Ensure your pets have a hearty and nutritious meal around nightfall, because this will make them more likely to be sleepy.

Lawrence Khodobo of the SPCA can be contacted at 015 0427 or 082 965 5151.