Cape Town SPCA records 81 Guy Fawkes complaints as animals and welfare workers suffer - IOL

A dog that was impaled while desperately trying to escape fireworks in Delft, armed gangsters intimidating animal welfare workers in Mitchells Plain, and reports of vehicles being stoned marked a troubling Guy Fawkes night across Cape Town.

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA recorded 81 calls during Thursday night's celebrations, a 59% increase from the 51 calls received last year, while at least five animals required urgent veterinary attention.

Among the most heartbreaking incidents was the death of Max, a family dog in Delft, who panicked when fireworks erupted shortly after dark.

Despite his family securing their gate to protect him, Max attempted to squeeze through the bars and was impaled.

An SPCA collection officer, escorted by the City's Law Enforcement Animal Control Auxiliary Unit, rushed him to a private veterinary practice.

Scans revealed severe injuries to his intestines and bladder, leaving veterinarians with no option but to humanely euthanise him.

Cape of Good Hope SPCA communications manager Belinda Abraham condemned the continued use of fireworks.

“Max should still be alive today,” Abraham said.

“Our thoughts are with his family. Every bang carries into the homes around you. Please think of the animals inside and celebrate without fireworks.”

Meanwhile, Animal Welfare Society of South Africa spokesperson Allan Perrins said their teams conducted proactive patrols in Mitchells Plain, Hanover Park and Beacon Valley, where fireworks activity was particularly problematic.

However, their operations were disrupted when armed gangsters allegedly intimidated welfare workers, forcing them to withdraw for their own safety.

Perrins described Mitchells Plain as one of the worst-affected areas until approximately 10.30pm on Thursday.

He said very few residents appeared to observe the City's restrictions on fireworks, with many transgressors believed to be minors.

Although his organisation had not been informed of fireworks-related animal injuries during its operations, another distressing discovery involved a mother dog and her young puppies found in a drain.

It was suspected that the mother had carried her puppies into the drain seeking shelter.

However, the animals tested positive for canine distemper and had to be humanely euthanised.

Perrins described distemper as a terrible disease and suspected the mother was unvaccinated and possibly free-roaming.

He urged residents to protect their animals from both the loud explosions and flashing lights associated with fireworks.

Playing soft music, leaving a television or radio on and closing curtains could help reduce distress.

He emphasised that fireworks affect not only dogs and cats, but birds, rabbits and other animals.

The City of Cape Town confirmed sporadic reports of antisocial behaviour linked to Guy Fawkes in Lavender Hill, Lotus River and Elsies River.

Incidents included vehicles being stoned and passers-by being attacked with paint and other substances.

The City's Public Emergency Communication Centre also received complaints about illegal fireworks.

“Our enforcement agencies are increasing deployment, particularly in the pockets of the city where incidents have surfaced in the past. We appeal to the public to please refrain from these behaviours as it can result in serious injury and also criminal charges,” the City said.

The municipality reiterated that fireworks may only be discharged at authorised displays with the necessary permits. Selling or storing fireworks without permits is prohibited, while children under 16 may not handle them.

In a separate development, the SPCA warned residents against potentially misleading animal rescue appeals after an image from one of its previous rescues appeared in a donation request by Youth Pet Care founder Nazrudeen Adams.

Abraham urged donors to verify photographs, rescue details and veterinary accounts before contributing money.

“Before donating, check when and where the case happened, when the photos first appeared and what your money will pay for,” she said.

Residents can report distressed animals to the SPCA on 021 700 4158 or 021 700 4159, or after hours on 083 326 1604.

Illegal fireworks and related disturbances can be reported to the City on 021 480 7700.