Cape of Good Hope SPCA says fireworks incidents hit historic low on 'quiet Guy Fawkes'
The organisation says this marks a significant milestone in its ongoing efforts to protect animals from the stress and dangers, often associated with fireworks.
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CAPE TOWN - The Cape of Good Hope SPCA said that Tuesday turned out to be the quietest Guy Fawkes on record, in terms of animal welfare.
The organisation said this marked a significant milestone in its ongoing efforts to protect animals from the stress and dangers, often associated with fireworks.
Thirty-two calls were received on their emergency line, with just three potentially linked to fireworks.
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA's Belinda Abraham said that with Guy Fawkes being a foreign tradition that had long impacted animals in South Africa, it's heartening to see such a positive change.
"We were expecting the worst. We had six inspectors on standby throughout the night and two controllers ready to field calls from the public as well as a controller on duty at the City of Cape Town's Joint Operations Centre and this was to ensure we had our fingers directly on the pulse of any animal related crisis. But today we are celebrating our quietest Guy Fawkes ever with fireworks incidents reaching a historic low."
Abraham thanked every person who chose not to discharge fireworks on Tuesday night.
"The quiet night for animals reflects the impact of the SPCA’s continued efforts to educate the public and advocate for animal welfare. Public awareness campaigns, community outreach, and clear messaging on the negative effects of fireworks on animals appear to be paying off and the results of this Guy Fawkes prove that change is possible."
The organisation said that firework activity seemed to be limited to only a few areas including Manenberg, Tafelsig, Bokmakierie and Elsies River.