While many families are preparing for Diwali celebrations this week, they have been urged by the eThekwini Municipality to exercise caution and adhere to the municipal by-laws.
Diwali, according to the municipality, is categorised as a religious and cultural day.
Metro police acting head Steve Middleton said: “Although the city respects the different religions and cultural practices in eThekwini, according to city by-laws, fireworks are to be used in a responsible and considerate manner with due respect for those celebrating the day and the welfare of animals.”
The official dates for Diwali in 2017 have been marked as Wednesday and Thursday.
Middleton said any fireworks classified in the Explosives Act No. 26 of 1956 as 1.3 are to be discharged by a qualified pyro technician and that only ordinary shop-bought fireworks are permitted for use by ordinary residents.
Teaching children about Diwali
Phoenix Animal Care and Treatment Chatsworth co-founder Neerie Naidoo said pet owners must ensure that pets are kept indoors from as early as possible because fireworks are normally let off at varying times.
“Pet owners must ensure that pets are kept indoors. It is a good idea to play music loud enough to drown out the sound of the fireworks.
“Those opting to administer sedatives to their pets must also ensure that the pets stay indoors,” she said.
She advised people to keep emergency numbers close at hand.
“Residents need to ensure that pets are fitted with a collar. This needs to have an identification tag with their home address and telephone number, in case the pet strays,” she said.
Sweet Diwali memories
The eThekwini Municipality has requested that people celebrating Diwali comply with the following rules:
* Persons under the age of 16 must use fireworks only with adult supervision.
* No person shall ignite, discharge or explode any fireworks on any public road, residence, or private dwelling without the knowledge and consent of the occupant or owner of the property.
* It is unlawful for any person to point or direct a firework at any other person, animal, building or motor vehicle, where such firework is in the process of exploding or detonating.
* No person shall light or detonate fireworks in any place where animals are kept.
* No person may terrify, cause stress or endanger the life of any animal with fireworks or by any other means.
- No person may use any fireworks other than the consumer fireworks in any residence except on approved days. These are currently Diwali; Guy Fawkes and 31 December, from 11.45pm until 12.15am.
A press release issued by the authoritative South African Hindu Maha Sabha stated that its national guidelines for Diwali Fireworks were as follows:
Days allowed, October 18-19; time allowed 7.30pm-10.30pm.
It said Big Bangs were banned.
Residents were urged to refer to their local council regarding bylaws
It urged the community to exercise caution and be sensitive to neighbours, animals, birds etc.
*eThekwini residents needing assistance on the day, or those wishing to report non-compliance, should contact the Metro Police at 031 361 0000.