The illegal fireworks discharged on Guy Fawkes Day caused chaos for pet owners last week.
Troy, a 2-year-old Boerboel from Pelican Park, was injured when he escaped from his home in terror at the sound of fireworks being discharged nearby.
Owner Demetri Holman said in spite of his attempts to calm Troy down and bring him inside the house, as soon as the loud bangs emitted by fireworks were heard, Troy ran out of the gate.
Mr Holman looked for Troy until the early hours of the morning but couldn’t find him.
Fortunately, somebody spotted the injured dog and reported it to the SPCA’s emergency line.
Collections Officer Norman Benya said the terrified dog was treated at about 1am.
Thanks to social media the SPCA was able to inform Mr Holman who was very happy to be reunited with his beloved pet.
“When I received the call I was relieved that my search for Troy was over. I was also so appreciative of the heart-warming support and shares across Facebook from other dog owners. A big thank you to the person who called the SPCA when they saw my injured Troy,” said Mr Holman.
SPCA spokesperson, Tara Mcgovern, thanked donors for their enabling support and caring individuals who look out for animals that are not their own, including those who report cruelty and those who network so furiously.
JP Smith, the City of Cape Town’s mayoral committee member for safety and security, said the celebration of Guy Fawkes must end.
Law enforcement agencies fielded 345 calls, the bulk of which were for the discharge of fireworks and cars were stoned on the corner of Military Road and Prince George Drive in Lavender Hill.
“Something has got to give. There is absolutely no justification for this macabre celebration, and the hurt, pain and anguish it causes to so many people; not to mention the drain on City and police resources to deal with the many complaints received which detract from the many other pressing policing priorities in our city,” said Mr Smith.
He called on community leaders, schools and families to start a conversation about Guy Fawkes and the havoc it wreaks.
“The safety and security directorate too will consider what possible contribution we can make towards changing the status quo. It is time we start wiping out this misguided tradition which is being perpetuated by a minority, at the expense of the majority,” he said.