Friday, 06 January 2012
New Year marred by illegal fireworks
Despite the blanket ban on detonating fireworks within uMhlathuze Municipality without written permission from said authority, illegal firework displays were more prolific than ever. Empangeni SPCA Senior Inspector Roland Fivaz says they were shocked by the blatant disregard for the city’s by-laws and for the well-being of local animals. Richard Bay SPCA’s Alicia Thurtell said the animals they rescued were clearly traumatised and had been running wild through the streets. ‘I could see the fear in their faces,’ she said.
Twenty-one animals were rescued on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in Richards Bay and 13 in Empangeni. The high number of fireworks exploding from 23h45 on 31 December until 00h30 of the new year may be due to confusion over the city by-laws. uMhlathuze Municipality Chief Communications Officer Vukile Mathabela explained that while fireworks may be detonated or exploded during this time frame, permission is still require if the fireworks are to be set off in a residential area. ‘This is because of the danger to animals. ‘Only firework displays on the beach or in remote areas do not need permission during this window,’ said Mathabela.
Of major concern to the SPCA was the alleged sighting of a police officer throwing Roman Candles from a SAP patrol vehicle. ‘Not only is this dangerous and illegal in itself, but the crackers were also let off on Main Road near a petrol station,’ said Fivaz.
The police are investigating the incident.