When is Diwali in South Africa for 2015?
According to a mutual agreement between North and South organisations, Diwali will be officially celebrated by South Indians on 10 November 2015 is the first day 2015 as the observance and celebration for Diwali in South Africa where as North Indians will observe the 11th November for this religious and cultural event.
Vets and animal welfare organisations say that keeping pets indoors while crackers are being burst during Diwali and staying with them will help the animals feel secure.
Celebratory days are the stuff of nightmares for SPCAs and it would be make a welcome change for staff to enjoy these times with friends and family instead of having to witness the sadness that fireworks bring to animals.
Lighting or igniting fireworks in any place where animals are present will incur a fine of R1 000.
Safety of children and pets also needs to be considered, and the Johannesburg metro police warn that people who use firecrackers carelessly will be charged.
“A fine of up to R10 000 will be imposed on those found guilty of breaking the law. If they get caught, they will be charged for contravention of the by-laws,” says the emergency management services’ Nana Radebe.
According to City by-laws, fireworks are allowed on specific days, at specific times:
New Year’s Eve from 11pm to 1am;
New Year’s Day from 7pm to 10pm;
Lag b’omer from 7pm to 10pm;
Chinese New Year from 7pm to 10pm;
Human Rights Day from 7pm to 10pm;
Freedom Day from 7pm to 10pm;
Diwali from 7pm to 10pm;
Guy Fawkes Day from 7pm to 10pm;
Christmas Eve from 7pm to 10pm; and
Day of Goodwill from 7pm to 10pm.
In an emergency, call the City’s Emergency Connect on 011 375 5911 or the nationwide emergency response on 10111.
Ensure your pets are wearing a collar and attach an identification tag with your address and phone number so lost pets can be returned. Diwali affect pets, families and homeless ones alike. Animals have a level of hearing that is much more sensitive than that of humans, which means every firecracker sounds earth-shattering to them.
Often, they panic and try to escape. Several dogs go missing and some owners never succeed in tracking down their much-loved pets. As for homeless dogs, when firecrackers are lit on the streets, they are traumatised by the smoke and noise and go into hiding, venturing out only after the celebrations are over. In the process, they lose a chance to search for food and go hungry for several days.
Those with newborn litters might lose them to the fireworks when the young ones scamper away. Dogs instinctively seek out confined spaces when frightened. If your dog hides under the bed or behind a cupboard, don’t drag him out in an attempt to comfort him. Instead, put some clothing or towels with your familiar scent next to him for reassurance.
Play soothing music relatively loud to help drown out the fear-producing noise. Another aspect of the festive season that doctors warn against is unhealthy eating — even by pets. Please do not give pets sweetmeats (confectionary). It does nothing but harm them in the long run.
Last but not the least, remember that good intentions can be fatal – do not administer any medicine to your pet without consulting a veterinarian.