Fireworks ban ignored

CINDY LIEBENBERG
MAYHEM reigned in Jeffreys Bay on New Year‘s Eve, when revellers threw caution to the wind and let off crackers to their hearts‘ content.
Petrified animals and very perturbed locals could only look-on, as especially, the beaches were swamped by people intent on having a good time.
Law enforcement officers tried their utmost to control the lawbreakers as letting off fireworks is illegal.
Mfundo Sobele, newly appointed communications officer of the Kouga Municipality says: “It is disappointing how many people chose to break the law and let off fireworks on New Year‘s Eve.
Kouga took a firm no-fireworks stance this past year.”
He says the municipality did not approve any of the applications to let off fireworks.
Officers reportedly confiscated lots of crackers that were being sold on the street.
Linda Nel from the local SPCA says they were swamped by people bringing in terrified pets.
“On Monday we still had a full kennel and we are appealing to owners whose pets have gone missing to please contact us.”
She also reminds people that it is illegal to keep a stray dog and urges them to bring them in to the SPCA.
“We have to keep the animal for 14 days, if it is not claimed during that time it becomes the property of the SPCA, and only then can we try to find it a home.”
Police spokesman Inspector Petra Els says they responded to complaints as they were received, but as the prohibition of fireworks is a municipal by-law they assumed a back-up roll.