New Year's Eve fireworks leave trail of lost and injured pets, says NSPCA

While New Year's Eve fireworks are a spectacle for many, the National Council of SPCAs is still dealing with the aftermath.

Communications manager Jacques Peacock says there has been a surge in reports of stray and injured animals.

“We often underestimate how busy it would be until the calls start coming in,” he says.

“The sad part is that just after midnight, you see the lost pet posters coming out, frantic messages from owners with injured animals or calls for assistance.”

If your pet goes missing, he recommends having a recent photo on hand and physically checking your local SPCAs, other animal welfare organisations, and veterinary clinics.

Pet owners are also encouraged to create a poster and circulate it within their communities and among animal welfare organisations.

“First prize would be to have your pet microchipped, which would make reuniting you with them really easy… [but] just keep searching, keep going back,” he says.

Peacock explains that while some pets may be desensitised to loud noises, many are not.

He urges pet owners to be prepared by bringing pets indoors, providing background noise distractions such as a radio or television, and keeping them away from the doors and windows.

Calming supplements may also be considered, following consultation with a veterinarian.

“Many dogs, irrespective of breed, are really sensitive to loud noise and go absolutely ballistic. I have seen photos of dogs being stuck in palisade gates, and that is the fight oo flight response.”

To listen to Peacock in conversation with Ray White (in for 702’s Bongani Bingwa), click the audio player below: