LOAN SHARK ARRESTED FOR CONTRAVENING THE NATIONAL CREDIT ACT
MPUMALANGA – Nozipho Yolanda Precious Mabuza (33), was arrested by members of the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team from Mpumalanga and members of the National Credit Regulator from Gauteng Province at Hazyview on Thursday 04 November 2021 on charges of Contravening the National Credit Act.
Mabuza is the owner of Humelela Cash loans based in Hazyview which is not registered with the National Credit Regulator. When the team executed the search warrant at her premises approximately 500 bank cards, South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grant cards and identity documents of clients as well as over R36 000 in cash were found and seized.
These cards were illegally kept in order to ensure that clients pay back their dues monthly with inflated interests. Mabuza has since appeared in the Hazyview Magistrate’s Court. The case was postponed to 25 November 2021 pending further investigation, whilst she was released on R 1000 bail.
Although through COVID-19, many pets have had their owners around more often, we understand that you can’t be with your pet all the time. How long they are left alone, however, includes various factors.
Sadly, we can share many horrible stories on what happened to pets while owners were away or how many people will go away for days with no one checking in on them. This is highly irresponsible! They are your responsibility, and you chose to be their guardian.
When we drive around, we often sadly see animals in “empty” yards, with basically nothing to help them cope for 8-10 hours when you are at work. Safety is important when you leave toys out, but they need stimulation, shelter, food, and water! You won’t leave a kid alone, never mind without any of the above, right?
Our biggest concerns when animals are left alone include pet theft, poisoning, and health-related emergencies. Some animals get very depressed and can even stop eating or drinking when their owner is out. Separation anxiety is another issue.
Picture by The Paw Company
The Animal Humane Society explains:
Dog-parent guilt is a real thing, no matter how much time you spend with your pooch. We’re the centre of their universe, which is part of the reason we love them so much!
Even if we want to, we can’t take them everywhere we go. So, how long should your dog be left alone?
Answer: It depends.
It’s not a yes or no question. How long your dog can stay home alone depends on your dog, their age, as well as their physical and emotional needs.
Before leaving your dog alone for more than a few hours at a time, consider the following:
Your dog’s bladder control – if left inside.
How often your dog needs a break outside depends on their bladder control. Like humans, age, hydration, and their physical build affect how often your dog needs to relieve themselves. Young puppies and elderly dogs will likely need more frequent breaks outside.
“There’s no one-size-fits-all time frame, but 10 to 12 hours is considered too long to leave a dog alone; they also shouldn’t go without a potty break every four to six hours”, says Dr. Karen Becker, a Canadian Veterinarian.
Your dog’s physical needs and what they’re used to will determine how long they can stay home alone. Set a routine for your furry best friend that works for you both. Try letting your dog out the last thing before you leave for the day and first thing when you get home.
Your dog’s emotional needs.
Is your dog active, or are they couch potatoes? Can they play fetch for hours on end, or do they prefer cuddling on your lap? Do they need social interaction, or do they prefer to spend time on their own?
How long your dog can stay home alone also depends on what daily exercise and interaction they need from you. Maybe they like the long hours to curl up on your bed while you’re out of the house. Or maybe they need daily two-mile walks and safe toysto play with.
Changes in behaviour.
If you notice a behaviour change in your pet due to being alone too long, it could be a sign to take some action. Examples of behaviour changes include increased lethargy, depression, or disinterest in once-beloved activities and destructive tendencies. With any behaviour changes, see your veterinarian to rule out medical issues.
Destructive behaviour is also a symptom of separation anxiety. Dogs are social and typically prefer to be with others. Some may always struggle with being alone. When a dog doesn’t know how to self-soothe or cope, they may turn to chewing or clawing stuff around the house or barking or howling.
Photo by Theresa Duvenage
FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN YOU GO OUT (short or long)
Is your yard/house is safe and secure?
Do they have enough food? Including if your away time is extended unexpectedly.
Do they have lots of fresh water?
Do they have shelter from the elements like sun, wind, rain, etc.?
Is there someone who can check in on them?
Is your pet sitter listed at your veterinarian in case of an emergency?
Are their medication and medical records together?
Do they have a microchip that is registered with up-to-date details or at least an ID collar with your number?
What is the plan if something does happen to you?
Do you have notices on the window of how many pets there are to rescue in case of a fire, or have an escape route?
Do you have an emergency card about your pets in your wallet or car in case of an accident? (which includes an emergency contact, not the address)
Have you considered cameras to check in with?
What have you done to prepare your storm-phobic pet for changing weather conditions?
Are your pets and instructions about them included in your will?
WAYS TO IMPROVE THEIR ALONETIME
Managing how your dog spends their time alone can help your pup feel more satisfied or fulfilled while you’re away. It also provides you with some peace of mind. Some options include:
Hire a dog walker, even a day or two per week.
Get a pet sitter to check in.
Doggy day care, even once a week, can make a difference.
Provide mentally stimulating toys such as treat puzzles.
Leave the TV or radio on (we are hesitant about this with electrical risks).
Get another pet (only works if they get along). Social animals should not be alone.
Here is another site to visit and read about Home Alone Pets
Finally, remember that when you bring home a new dog or any pet, you’re committing to a long-term relationship. Be sure you have time to dedicate to your new family member. Working full-time or having a busy life and owning a pet is possible; you may just have to get creative to ensure their needs are being met. Find an animal that fits your lifestyle.
Are your pets taken care of when you are not home? Do you have an emergency or backup plan? Remember, they are your responsibility!
Thanks for tuning in! Next week, we will look at what kind of bones your dogs can have.
The political landscape is set to change in GMM as final voting results are trickling in.
The preliminary results of the voting in Govan Mbeki Municipality are showing a changing playing field as voters voiced their anger at the previous political leadership.
According to the IEC website, the ANC is still leading the race with the DA second and the EFF in third.
Preliminary results on IEC website
The ANC lost three wards in Govan Mbeki so far. Ward 17 is now a DA ward with ward 20 taken by the Azanian Residents Party. The other big upset for the ANC is the loss of ward 28 back to the DA. This ward was taken by the ANC in a by-election During October 2019. The FF+ made a huge effort in trying to secure the ward, only to ultimately hand the wand to the ANC. Read the article in The Bulletin HERE. The people have spoken and want good governance. The final results are still outstanding
Surprisingly the EFF nearly took ward 10 from the ANC. The upsurge in EFF voters can only be seen as anger against the current ANC dominance and poor leadership. The EFF has been very active in rural areas with marches, protests and the occasional land invasions. They secured a lot of voters by promising land and jobs.
It would appear that the ANC will not achieve an outright majority in Govan Mbeki Municipality but the final results will confirm this.
These promises most probably will not materialise, but their growth can be seen as a protest action against the ANC.
The final results have not been released yet but the Political Horizon are definitely not the same.
The ANC are mort probably the biggest loser in this election as their numbers have dwindled and some voters chose not to vote in protest to years of empty promises and maladministration.
The Bulletin will update residents as soon as the final results are known.
Laerskool Kruinpark het die jaar uitgeblink in die SALA ‘Die Suid-Afrikaanse Geletterdheid Assosiasie’.
Hierdie jaar was daar 4 Laerskool Kruinpark leerders wat deelgeneem het aan SALA en al 4 het onder die top 5 nasionaal geeïndig.
Die Suid-Afrikaanse Geletterdheid Assosiasie is ‘n kompetisie vir alle leerders van graad 1 tot 12 regoor Suid-Afrika. Alle leerders in openbare skole, privaatskole en tuisonderrigsentrums mag deelneem aan die verskillende kompetisies wat onder die SALA-vaandel gehou word.
SALA het in 2013 as ‘n klein kompetisie in Mpumalanga begin en het deur die jare gegroei tot ‘n kompetisie wat regoor Suid-Afrika aangebied word. Daar is redenaars, leesfeeste, spelkompetisies en kreatiewe skryfkompetisies. Baie van die kompetisies is in Engels of Afrikaans beskikbaar.
SALA het drie rondes gehad waaraan die leerders deelgeneem het en deurgedring het na die volgende ronde. Die eerste rondte was 5 Mei 2021. Daarna was dit die Mpumalanga Semi-finaal ronde van 20 Augustus 2021 en dan Nasionale finaal wat 22 Oktober plaasgevind het.
Leerders van reg oor die land het aan SALA deelgeneem. Dit was vanjaar aanlyn gewees waar die leerders met elke ronde ‘n video moes instuur.
Die Kruinpark deelnemers vir 2021 was Sebastian Botha, Aiden Olckers, Lianke Obermeyer en Alexander Botha.
Kruinpark SALA deelnemers vir 2021: van links na regs: Lianké Obermeyer, Aiden Olckers, Sebastian Botha, Alexander Botha
Lianke Obermeyer
Lianke Obermeyer het in Mei aan die eerste ronde van SALA deelgeneem. Sy het deurgedring met al 3 items haar items waarvoor sy ingeskryf het na die Semi-Finaal; English Reading, Afrikaans Lees en English Public Speaking. In die volgende ronde sy met Afrikaans Lees en English Public Speaking deurgedring na die finale ronde wat plaasgevind het in Oktober 2021. Sy eindig Nasionaal 2de vir Afrikaans Lees en 3de vir English Public Speaking (Additional language), onder die Graad 4 afdeling.
Lianke Obermeyer eindig Nasionaal 2de vir Afrikaans Lees en 3de vir English Public Speaking (Additional language), onder die Graad 4 afdeling.
Aiden Olckers
Aiden Olckers het in Mei aan die eerste ronde van SALA deelgeneem. Hy het deurgedring met ‘Public Speaking first Additional language’ na die Semi-Finaal. In die volgende ronde het hy met ‘n A++ deurgedring na die finale ronde wat plaasgevind het in Oktober 2021. Hy eindig Nasionaal 2de English Public Speaking (Additional language), onder die Graad 4 afdeling.
Aiden Olckers eindig Nasionaal 2de English Public Speaking (Additional language), onder die Graad 4 afdeling.
Alexander Botha
Alexander Botha het in Mei aan die eerste ronde van SALA deelgeneem. Hy het deurgedring met ‘Public Speaking first Additional language’ na die Semi-Finaal. In die volgende ronde het hy met ‘n A+ deurgedring na die finale ronde wat plaasgevind het in Oktober 2021. Hy eindig Nasionaal 4de English Public Speaking (Additional language), onder die Graad 4 afdeling.
Alexander Botha eindig Nasionaal 4de English Public Speaking (Additional language), onder die Graad 4 afdeling.
Sebastian Botha
Sebastian Botha het in Mei aan die eerste ronde van SALA deelgeneem. Hy het deurgedring met ‘Public Speaking first Additional language’ na die Semi-Finaal. In die volgende ronde het hy met ‘n A deurgedring na die finale ronde wat plaasgevind het in Oktober 2021. Hy eindig Nasionaal 2de English Public Speaking (Additional language), onder die Graad 2 afdeling.
Sebastian Botha eindig Nasionaal 2de English Public Speaking (Additional language), onder die Graad 2 afdeling.
Laerskool Kruinpark bedank die leerders se ouers, vir hulle ondersteuning reg deur die jaar teenoor hulle kinders, vir al die harde voorbereiding, opnames opneem totdat dit reg was en dat hulle tot op die einde deurgedruk het vir die pragtige prestasies!
Om meer nuus en gebeurtenisse te sien wat by Laerskool Kruinpark gebeur, gaan besoek gerus hul FB Blad, deur hier te kliek. Laerskool Kruinpark Amptelik.
“Laerskool Kruinpark is baie trots daarop dat ons leerders vanaf Graad R reeds aan verskeie Kultuur aktiwiteite en kompetisies blootgestel word en aan kan deelneem,” Het Anita de Beer, Bemarking Laerskool Kruinpark gesê, “Deur gebalanseerd tussen akademie, kultuur en sport aktwiteite deel te neem, het elke leerder ‘n totaliteitsopvoeding wat ‘n laerskoolkind op alle tereine kan groei en ontwikkel.”
ANIMALS 101 – ARE YOU PROVIDING THE BEST POSSIBLE ENCLOSURE FOR YOUR PETS?
Whichever kind of pet you choose to be a guardian of and care for, it is crucial that you do proper research about all their needs, especially their enclosure size and enrichment. The enclosure, sadly in most cases, is the area in which they will spend most of their time (hopefully not), so it is important that it meets their needs!
ENCLOSURE in relation to animals means any container, aquarium, aviary, paludarium, riparium, vivarium, terrarium or other such fenced or enclosed area used for accommodating, keeping or exercising animals. It includes indoor, outdoor and night structures.
Last week we looked at the different forms of animal enrichment which includes their physical habitat (enclosure/cage). Enrichment is also known as environmental or behavioural enrichment and is the process of providing captive animals with some form of stimulation in order to encourage natural behaviours. This helps to improve or maintain their physical and mental health. It basically includes the following: Social, Cognitive, Physical Habitat, Sensory and Food.
All 5 FREEDOMS OF ANIMAL WELFARE should be taken into account when you look at the enclosure you choose:
1. Should provide access to food and water.
2. Should not create discomfort.
3. Should be safe, not causing disease, injury or pain.
4. Should allow them to express natural behaviour.
Acceptable size of enclosure depends on the type and size of animal and the amount of time the animal would be spending in the enclosure.
The animal must be able to stretch out in full length of their body.
Be made from a correct and strong, durable material.
Have correct landscaping/flooring/bedding/vegetation/substrate for the particular animals’ needs.
Be the correct shape for the particular animal – horizontally & vertically
Be adequate size to allow comfortable movement (sit/lie down/stand/turn/walk normally/climb/swing) for the animal.
Be secure to prevent escape.
Ensure that it is safe from hazards that might cause injury.
Be kept in a clean condition for the safety of the animals and humans.
Provide shelter from the elements & cover to hide.
Include access to daily fresh food and water which is easily accessible.
Limit any unnecessary stress for the animal.
The bigger the enclosure the better, unless it causes stress, in the case of some species.
Provide a full range of the appropriate natural environment like adequate ventilation, humidity, temperature and lighting (natural lighting for nocturnal animals) which is safe for the particular animal.
Should have proper drainage.
Floors should be non-slip.
If the base of an enclosure is not rendered waterproof, a raised sleeping board which will enable the animal to keep dry should be provided in every enclosure.
Roofing should be weatherproof.
Provide the correct enrichment, including, but not limited to climbing, swinging, bathing (water and sand bathing), scratching, probing, claw sharpening, rubbing.
Provide escape possibilities for the animals, especially the female and young, if housed with others from the same or different species.
Provide night, nesting and indoor enclosures for animals kept outdoors which allows for all animals to move freely and lie down simultaneously together. This might be dependent on the species and circumstances.
All perches or resting place must be the correct size for the particular animal and or species.
Provide dividing or separating possibilities if a spare enclosure is not available.
Not be housed close to animals which may cause stress or see them as prey.
Are you meeting these criteria for your pet’s enclosure?
LET’S LOOK AT BIRD ENCLOSURES FOR EXAMPLE
Photo from Little Beaks (Facebook)
Above is an example of something most people do not think of. Birds fly more horizontal (wide) than vertically (tall), therefore a cage, with more horizontal space is required. This way there is more room to fly across and more room to forage and play on the bottom. If a bird can’t expand their wings in full length without touching the sides nor be able to fly in its cage, then the cage is definitely not large enough! Round cages for example can pinch their feet where the cage bars becomes smaller, so it can be a safety issue.
Just because a pet shop sells a cage marked as an “African Grey” cage, does not mean it is the right size for an African Grey! Pet shops are in it for profit, not for improving the lives of animals, otherwise they would not be selling them, fuelling the massive overpopulation crisis and encouraging impulse buy without proper homing!
ENRICHMENT IDEAS FOR BIRDS
Birds or any animal for that matter, aren’t meant to sit alone in a cage with nothing to do all day and rarely the cages are the correct size.
Rotate your birds’ toys.
Open the cage.
Encourage foraging.
Play music.
Teach tricks.
PERCHES
Birds spend all their time on their feet, so feet health is very important! Having the wrong perches can drastically increase injury risk and health concerns. It is important to understand your bird’s perch needs, including the right materials & size specifically for your birds. The right size general rule is the toes should go around the perch only 2/3 or 3/4. If you only have one size of perch, that would need to be the right size. If you have more perches, make sure the perch which they spend the most time on, is the right size and made of the best material.
You can follow the 4-3-2-1 rule from staravian.org.
4 – different size perches
3 – different types of safe material
2 – action perches to help with balance and exercise (swings, ladders etc.)
1 – flat surface or shelf that will allow your bird to put their feet completely flat.
Perches should be placed in front of food and water dishes so the bird can reach the dishes easily.
To avoid droppings contaminating the food or water, do not place perches directly above the dishes.
Always place a perch so that the bird’s tail will not touch the side of the cage when perched on it.
Place perches at various levels within the cage.
Avoid using too many perches, which could prevent the bird from flying. A bigger cage might be the better choice, not fewer perches.
Parrots feel insecure when they are at or below eye level. So, for fearful parrots, try to position their cage so that their perch is about six inches above your eye level. The bars of the cage give fearful parrots a sense of security.
For aggressive birds, experiment with perches about four inches below your eye level.
Remember to scrub your perches regularly.
DECLARATION – For many reasons, we do not support any animals in cages nor keeping any wildlife or exotic animals in captivity, as pets. DON’T BE CAPTURED BY CAPTIVITY, they belong in the wild. We will fight not only until cages are comfortable, but until they are empty!
If you can no longer take care of any animal, including wildlife or exotic pets, please surrender them to your nearest SPCA or reputable animal specie specific rescue. They will make sure these animals get the care they need. If you are unsure about the care, please contact us so we can refer you to the right organisation.
Thank you for tuning in! Next week we will look at the do’s and don’ts of leaving pets home alone.
Underground water compartment incident at Bosjesspruit mine
On Tuesday, 26 October 2021 at around 17:00, an underground water compartment incident occurred at Sasol Mining’s Bosjesspruit Colliery, resulting in the tragic death of three employees.
Moses Nelson Hlongoane (36), Themba Charles Masilela (32) and Takalani Ephraim Masha (34) were tragically killed in the incident.
It is unclear exactly what the cause of the incident is but we will bring more news if it is made available.
“Our deepest condolences go to the families and loved ones of the deceased,” said Nomia Machebe, Manager: Media and Communications, “The relevant authorities have been informed and we are working with them to investigate the root cause of the incident.”
At the time of the incident, emergency medical personnel were immediately dispatched to the scene and all other employees in the vicinity were safely evacuated
Sasol sets high standards for its employees in securing a safe working environment for all its workers.
“Sasol remains committed to the health and safety of our employees, community and the environment,” said Nomia.
The Bulletin would also like to convey our condolences to the family, colleagues and friends of the deceased.
Residents of Terra Nova Retirement village planted trees in their park on Saturday.
The aim, of planting trees, is to improve the look and feel of the retirement village as well as to provide an area where residents can enjoy nature.
The “Tree Park” will be implemented in fazes with the completion estimated to be in the spring of 2022 and with the arrival of the rainy season.
There was a festive atmosphere at the park with residents waiting in anticipation to plant their trees. The residents each purchased their own trees and staff prepared the holes for the planting. Staff was also available to help where necessary.
Terra Nova Retirement Village boasts beautiful gardens as residents take pride in their dwellings.
The Bulletin spoke to a few residents about their stay at Terra Nova Retirement Village and they were all very happy with the move to the village. “I feel free for the first time in my life,” one resident said, “I am at home.”
The audio is of low quality as the winds played havoc with our equipment
Here is a description of Terra Nova Retirement village as found on the internet.
Terra Nova Retirement Village, a secure residential estate located in Trichardt, Secunda on Hibiscus Road, is the 2018 addition to the Terra Nova Private Town and is situated close to the N17.
Residents can enjoy all the amenities and luxuries of a vibrant town, nestled in the rolling hills of the countryside. The aim is to establish a high-end retirement estate in the Highveld and enable residents of the surrounding areas to retire locally, with no need to relocate to the city in order to enjoy retirement to the full.
With more than 500 residential units built and sold in Terra Nova by the same developers, you can rest assured that your investment is in good hands when buying at Terra Nova Retirement Village. Build quality is of the utmost importance, with only premium fittings and finishes fitted to all homes. Eco-friendly materials and building techniques are used as much as possible, in order to mitigate the impact on the environment. To this end, a reticulated gas network and gas storage tanks have been constructed to service all properties in Terra Nova. All homes are fitted with a gas stove & oven, a gas geyser and a gas heater. This alternative to electricity is also more economical and ensures a lower utility bill for the residents of Terra Nova.
In preparation for the long-term national energy situation, diesel-powered backup generators have also been installed to guarantee electricity supply to all properties during load shedding. The various residential estates within the Terra Nova Private Town offer a secure living environment where residents can enjoy peace of mind and freedom of movement.
The 24-hour state-of-the-art security system available to all residents guarantees security and peace of mind. The security system consists of 24-hour CCTV monitoring with armed response, gated entrance with access control and electric fencing. To further expand the footprint of Terra Nova Private Town, more conveniences and services have been developed. Work on the restaurant, hotel and filling station has also been done.
The Retirement Village has been designed to ensure that all residents will enjoy a secure and fulfilling retirement. To this end, different facilities and levels of care will be available to residents. A fully functional Frail Care Unit forms an integral part of the central area of the estate, while Assisted Living Units are directly linked to the frail care section. Both the Frail Care and Assisted Living Units will provide special care for rehabilitation and recuperation purposes, as well as long term support and care to the frail. These medical care services are provided by professionally qualified and thoroughly vetted practitioners to guarantee excellence.
The communal administration block will be the core of the retirement estate providing all facilities and services required for a careless retirement and will consist of General administration offices, a Room for consultation by visiting doctors, therapists and other medical practitioners, a Dining room & the central kitchen, Laundry area, Gym, Lounge with a library, Hair salon, Community hall for functions and church activities, Covered entertainment area and Outdoor boma with braai facilities.
Areas for practising hobbies such as an area for gardening (e.g. vegetable gardens), as well as a workshop/shed where woodwork and other crafts can be practised. In order to cater for the different needs of residents, various options are available when choosing a home. The sectional title area of the retirement village will provide a choice of one or two-bedroom attached units. Build your dream retirement home on a stand of your choice.
Guy Fawkes, Diwali and even New Year’s Eve are approaching fast and fireworks are sadly always involved. Pet owners dread holidays and occasions that feature fireworks. These events usually send their domestic animals and wild animals into a frenzy or a state of frozen terror.
Fear of fireworks (and storms) is a serious health concern for animals. Storm and Fireworks phobias cause extreme anxiety and discomfort not only for our four-legged companions but also for human family members who feel helpless to ease their pet’s suffering as well as individuals with disabilities, war veterans or those suffering from PTSD.
Photo by The Paw Company
THE PROBLEM WITH FIREWORKS
Some studies suggest that 50% of cats & dogs suffer from firework stress and show that in phobic dogs, plasma cortisol (stress hormone) levels can jump over 200 percent from exposure to just an audio recording of a storm.
Many animals desperately try to get out and even become disorientated when fireworks are set off. Sometimes they can’t find their way back home again or some hurt themselves trying to get over fences and through palisades.
Some wildlife like birds and squirrels can abandon their young in a panic.
Fireworks pollute the air & land! Some waterbirds and fish die when they eat firework debris.
Fireworks can cause wildfires which can also lead to suffering and death for animals.
The hearing of many animals, especially cats and dogs are more sensitive than it is in humans, so the explosions of fireworks are not only disturbing and frightening, it can also damage their hearing. They can hear sounds as much as 5 to 10 times louder than humans.
The day and even week after such an event the animal welfare organisations and shelters are flooded with stray and hurt animals. Studies suggest 30-60% increase in lost pets after such an event.
Your few minutes fun cost animals their lives and cause tons of suffering!
Fireworks in South Africa are controlled in terms of the Explosives Act 15 of 2003 (Explosives Act). There are also specific by-laws that regulate the use or exploding of fireworks.
Firework dealers need to be licensed in terms of the Explosives Act. Only individuals in possession of valid licences may deal in the sale of fireworks.
No fireworks may be sold by street hawkers or vendors.
It is unlawful to set off fireworks without a certificate for authorization.
It is also unlawful for any person to use or explode any firework within 500 metres of any building or any public thoroughfare. This includes any residential area.
If you notice these actions, please report them to your nearest police station! Don’t use fireworks nor support shops that sell them and businesses that display them for fun or allow them on their premises. If your company does it, please see management or organize a petition against it in your town.
Photo from the SPCA
TIPS FOR FIREWORK PREPARATION
There are things you can do to help your furry family members remain calm when fireworks may be used, but executing your plan prior to your dog becoming stressed is most important.
Use a teaspoon to knock on various surfaces around the house and follow up with a treat. This teaches your dog that startling sounds predict yummy food.
Teach your dog to use a Kong or chew toy so that they can engage in this calming activity during the next fireworks occasion.
Play with your dog during thunderstorms. Creating an association between play and the cracks of lightning will aid in generalizing a positive emotional state during fireworks.
Make sure your micro-chip information is registered on more than one database and up-to-date as well as your animal having an up-to-date tag on their collar. This is a big challenge when we find pets with out-of-date details.
If you know your animal is prone to extreme stress during this time, then see your veterinarian, prior to these events, for some medication. Never use human medication and discuss the use of natural remedies with your veterinarian.
Make sure your yard is secure and safe as many pets who try to escape get stuck on palisades or hurt on other fencing.
On the day of the expected fireworks, look for your animals, especially cats, before the fireworks start.
Close windows and curtains so your pet is not startled by sudden flashes.
Keep your pets indoors with windows, doors and pet doors shut & secured so they can’t escape when spooked.
If your cat is not used to being indoors, provide extra litter boxes inside.
Provide your pet with food before the fireworks as it can help calm them or they might be too stressed to eat later.
Give your pet a safe place to hide with blankets and bedding to mask the sounds. Cats also feel secure and loves boxes.
Put the TV or music on to mute the firework bangs.
If your pet is hiding, don’t try to lure them out. This can make them become more anxious & stressed.
Distract your pet with treats or play time if they are pacing or displaying nervous behaviour.
Stay home with your pets in these frightening times as you would with frightened children. You also need to stay calm as they can feel your anxiety.
This year volunteer at your local shelters when fireworks are being set off by these selfish humans so you can help comfort the animals. Help us educate others by sharing this information and reporting any unlawful selling or use of fireworks.
If you find a lost dog or pet, please take them to the SPCA or local shelter!
