October 25, 2011. The opposition of the SPCA movement to fireworks cannot be linked to anything other than our commitment to prevent cruelty to animals. The SPCA movement is apolitical. We are obligated to stand firmly against anything which compromises the welfare of animals or causes cruelty.
Domestic dogs and cats rely heavily on their sense of hearing to locate prey and danger, and to communicate. Cats and dogs are able to hear a wider range of sounds, and softer sounds than humans. The pitch of a sound is measured in Hertz (Hz) and the comparative hearing ranges of dogs, cats and humans are the following:
- Humans: 20Hz – 23000Hz
- Dogs: 40Hz – 60000 Hz
- Cats: 45Hz – 64000Hz
To give you a practical example of this: 64Hz (roughly the lowest note a dog can hear) is the pitch of the lowest key on a piano. For every doubling in Hz, the pitch goes up an octave. Cats, with the top range of 64000Hz vs. 23000 in humans, can thus hear sounds at least two and a half octaves higher than humans can. This is why dogs and cats respond to dog whistles. The sound is too high for us to hear, but still within their hearing range.
The SPCA does not enforce the bylaws, however we do work closely with Metro Police and our inspectors have met Metro to discuss enforcement.
On Wednesday, October 26, our team of inspectors at the Durban & Coast SPCA will be on duty throughout the night, responding to calls from the public and patrolling areas.
Caring animal owners will already be aware of the responsibilities that come with the approach of the festive season. Not least, avoiding the use of fireworks and ensuring that their companion animals are safe indoors in the event of any fireworks activity in the area – if it means keeping pets in a secure room during festivities, this may be a solution.
Also please ensure that vaccinations are up to date, book boarding kennels or house-sitters well in advance and have a back-up plan in case anything whatsoever goes wrong. This includes identification of the animal. Microchip ID is recommended as it is permanent and tamper-proof. Veterinarians and SPCAs have scanners that can detect the microchip and can give details of the owner/s.
Sedative tablets are available for purchase at the Durban & Coast SPCA at R7-R10.
The effects of fireworks extend beyond domestic animals. Horses, wild animals and small reptiles can all be affected.
Our inspectors enforce the Animals Protection Act (APA) no. 71 of 1962. This legislation empowers our inspectors to instigate legal action against perpetrators of abuse and neglect. If found guilty, the perpetrator could face up to three years imprisonment and/or a fine of R60 000.
An urgent and heartfelt appeal is made for responsibility and for the law and local by-laws to be strictly enforced. For more information contact 031 579 6500.
**By Caroline Smith: Marketing Manager, Durban & Coast SPCA. Tel: 031 5796535