Is Newcastle a pet-friendly town? Old year’s eve fireworks discussed

Is Newcastle a pet-friendly town? Old year's eve fireworks addressed

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

On a global level, people are changing their attitudes towards animals, becoming more mindful of animal consciousness and their unique requirements. 

However, on older year’s eve, while high decibel fireworks lit up the night sky and echoed through the neighbourhoods, according to the Newcastle SPCA‘s Heather Gero—numerous pet owners neglected to care for their animals. This resulted in the local SPCA being inundated with owners calling the next day, looking for runaway pets. 

So is Newcastle a pet-friendly town? 

According to Gero, Newcastle, when compared to the world, fares extremely poorly in pet care. Apart from a select few.

While fireworks are a historical element of New Year’s celebrations, the multicolour lights and large bangs have a darker side on sensitive pets. A well-known aspect among animal lovers and pet owners.

Gero explains that multiple pets went missing after the fireworks on Friday night, 31 December 2021. “Some of the pets were found, but a number of them are still missing.”

In addition, five animals were injured as a result of the explosives.

When reflecting on the New Year’s Eve festivities, Gero notes that this year’s fireworks display was much louder and more prominent than in previous years. “It was terrible, and most people I’ve talked to said it was disgraceful.”

The intensity of the crackers instilled a deep sense of panic in local pets and other animals, according to Gero, who described the decibel level as deafening.

When discussing local pet care and how pet-friendly Newcastle is compared to cities and other countries, Gero says, “Newcastle compares very poorly, as most people don’t have a proper consciousness on what pet care is. While there are people in our community who claim they love animals, they don’t have animal welfare at heart.”

Providing an example, she says that people do not sterilise their pets, budget for veterinary visits, and research their pets’ dietary and exercise needs. All this results in hordes of unwanted puppies and kittens, malnourished animals and sick pets who are forced to rely on other people’s kindness.

According to Gero, the Newcastle SPCA continually deals with completely uninformed people, regarding animal care. “However, they are overjoyed to learn more and to be educated on how to treat animals.” Meaning there is hope. 

But as Gero points out, not everyone is like this and is eager to change their perceptions. The animal activist says that while certain local organisations work with animals, individuals often work with their hearts and do not always apply logic, which hurts animals in the long run.

“It is also important to note, that animal welfare also extends to birds, snakes, cows and other animals. So, you can’t claim to love animals if you don’t consider other animals in your daily life.” 

Hopefully, in 2022, pet care will move more to the forefront and alternative, greener and animal friendly fireworks will see our four-legged families living the life they deserve. A remarkable, love-filled one!

What are your thoughts on all of this? Are you a proud, loving pet owner? How did your furbaby find the fireworks? 

Share your views in the comment section below.

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Comments 4

  1. Fransie Fourie says:

    My dogs were so terrified, they turned on each other and as a result one of them succumbed from the injuries. I am pleading for fireworks to be banned.

  2. Maureen Britz says:

    Yes, I agree that the fireworks in Newcastle is absolutely ridiculous.
    My pets get so traumatized every time there are fireworks and then you still get inconsiderate people shooting bombs even when there is no festivities.

    Why can’t Newcastle also ban fireworks like Richard’s Bay and think about our pets instead of themselves.

  3. Noëlle says:

    MY Beloved FurBabies were OK, but ALL indoors & with Me!!!

    I am AGAINST any form of fireworks!!!
    🤬😡🤬💔💔🤬😡🤬

  4. Eugene Kleynhans says:

    Near my house it didnt sound like fireworks. More like bombs going off. Because of that my one furry pet ran under the wooden house and couldnt get out till 8 o clock the morning. Its a disgrace.

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