BAN THEM!
The
SPCA movement in
South Africa is again calling for a complete ban on the explosive devices (they were NOT “fireworks”) which were detonated country-wide over the festive season but especially on New Year’s Eve.
Injured, terrified and fleeing animals abounded plus injuries to individuals. Animals have been taken to
SPCAs for euthanasia as they have not recovered from the trauma experienced. Others have died as a direct or indirect result of these explosions.
Information from the
SPCAs indicates that that public has had enough but more worryingly, the
SPCA personnel are bearing the brunt of lack of enforcement. The manager/Inspector of one
SPCA told Christine Kuch of the N
SPCA that she had been abused by members of the public for “not doing your job.” Yet the SAPS enforces the Explosives Act and the Metro Police enforce by-laws including those relating to fireworks.
In the run-up to New Year, fireworks were being not only sold in the open air at sets of traffic lights by hawkers but boxes of the explosive devices were being pushed into the faces of drivers. Visuals of Hillbrow shown on national television revealed rockets being fired from the windows of flats. In another incident, an
SPCA inspector witnessed these explosive devices being set off in a car park.
Whist recognition is given to the work of the police services on this issue, there remains much to be done. Anomalies include the finding of an open-ended “fireworks permit” issued by the SAPS to a shopkeeper in the
Free State.
The human rights of individuals are being violated whilst the mayhem is allowed to continue unabated.
~~~ends~~~