SPCA urges public to be mindful of pets during festive season
The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) on Tuesday appealed to Johannesburg pet owners to be "cognisant" of their animals and those around them during merrymaking.
Year-end holiday period could be a time of neglect, distress and abuse for many pets. The NSPCS said during the festive season it receives an influx of animals in need.
NSPCA spokesperson Christine Kuch offered a few helpful tips to ensure pets are safe and secure this festive season.
Kuch said pet owners needed to make suitable arrangements for their pets if they are going away for holidays.
She said if there were going to be loud bangs during festivities, the best advice was to give the animals either a room of their own or a space to hide away from the hubbub.
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"As the NSPCA we are appealing to members of the public to be vigilant and mindful of all animals, both pets and wildlife. Animal welfare starts at home and we urge people with information of abuse, cruelty or neglect to come forward and report these issues," Kuch said.
"We ask the public to be our eyes and ears in the approach to and during the festive season. If you encounter any situation involving an animal that concerns you, report it quickly and directly.
"There is a trend for people to send an email or take a photograph and place it on Facebook. But this delays response."
Meanwhile, Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) has issued fireworks guidelines. JMPD warned that its officers would be out in full force this festive season to clamp down on anyone contravening by-laws regulating the use of fireworks.
JMPD guidelines say fireworks may only be used during specified times - on Christmas Eve from 7pm to 10pm, Day of Goodwill from 7pm to 10pm, New Year's Eve from 11pm to 1am and New Year's Day from 7pm to 10pm.