Fireworks Must Fall is the brainchild of eight Highway residents who were shocked by the carnage caused by fireworks over New Year, in particular. “Some of us lost pets (killed or ran away) and others had been involved in helping to reunite other owners with their pets,” explains group spokesman Mike Melly.
Hillcrest resident Miles Steenhuisen spent the early hours of New Year’s Eve driving around, helping terrified pets who had run away from the fireworks, taking them off the streets, then helping them find their human families. He called an open meeting at the SPCA on January 2, setting the ball in motion.
“Since then, we have not only gathered the support of thousands, but have also joined the Fireworks Banning Initiative and Hindus Against Fireworks in starting a nationwide coalition called the Anti-Fireworks Alliance.”
The Alliance aims to raise awareness about the dangers of fireworks, which extend beyond pets to other wildlife and people too. They also plan to engage with municipalities to revise by-laws, where these are inadequate, and with Metro police to ensure by-laws are policed properly.
To lend your support, sign the petition, which is available at Shongweni Farmers’ Market, the SPCA thrift shop (Maytime Centre) Kloof and Highway SPCA front desk and Tea Garden, as well as Safegas at the Mushroom Farm, Bizlink and Cookhouse in Oxford Village, and the Plant and Garden Centre in Botha’s Hill.
“We know that the people of Upper Highway are generally kind and considerate to others, and we hope to bring out the best in them,” Mike concludes.