Christmas and New Year in the Goldfields was a veritable nightmare for the creatures furry and feathered, and many were either killed or bewildered by the barrage of unchecked fireworks and bom crackers that persistently deafened neighbourhoods from around 15 December to 10 January.
Every night windows shook, and nerves were rattled as irresponsible and inconsiderate revelers fired off their illegal stashes indiscriminately in the neighbourhoods.
Nightly terror
Ernest Khakhau, senior SPCA inspector, says the SPCA overcomes a myriad of great challenges on a daily basis, but the period over the festive season is a nightmare.
“Animals are abandoned, surrendered and also end up as strays due to neglect and the terrible aftermath of fireworks,” he explains.
“I cannot enforce the Firearms and explosives Act, only the Animal Welfare Act. I do not understand why the police do not enforce the law. My hands are tied.
“It is sad that no-one is willing to assist by enforcing the law,” says a frustrated Khakhau.
The Virginia SPCA has a large area to regulate, which includes Welkom, Allanridge, Wesselsbron, Virginia, Ventersburg and surrounds.
Large area to regulate
The SPCA had a busy time during December 2025 and took in 167 cats and 141 dogs.
Due to the aftermath of the fireworks, Khakhau and his team were also called to rescue about 20 other species, which included tortoises, goats, pigs, hadidas and snakes.
“Many animals and even birds were injured.
“On 31 December we did patrols.
“The intake of animals in this period represents a 100% or 200% increase above the usual monthly norm,” he says.
According to South African law, fireworks may not be discharged in public places. This includes streets and parks.
Fireworks restrictions
Furthermore, fireworks are prohibited within 500m of hospitals, clinics, old-age homes, or petrol stations without special authorisation.
Under the Animals Protection Act, it is an offence to cause unnecessary suffering to animals.
This includes the use of loud percussive fireworks, such as air bombs and sound shells, in residential areas where animals are present.
Whilst “bomcrackers” is not a formal legal term, it generally refers to larger, louder, and often illegal exploding fireworks, such as air bombs, which are prohibited for general public use due to the disturbance and nuisance they cause.
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