Armed gangsters forced animal welfare workers to abandon rescue patrols in Mitchells Plain and other Cape Town areas on Guy Fawkes night, Thursday 5 November, while a Delft family dog named Max died after impaling himself on a gate in a panic to escape fireworks.
The Animal Welfare Society of South Africa (AWS) said its teams withdrew from parts of Mitchells Plain for their own safety after confronting armed men who allegedly intimidated workers responding to fireworks incidents. The Cape of Good Hope SPCA, meanwhile, recorded 81 calls during Thursday night's celebrations, a 59% jump from last year's 51 calls, according to IOL.
What happened on Guy Fawkes night
AWS spokesperson Allan Perrins said teams ran proactive patrols in Mitchells Plain, Hanover Park and Beacon Valley, where fireworks activity was particularly bad. Operations ground to a halt when armed gangsters allegedly intimidated the workers, forcing them to withdraw.
Perrins described Mitchells Plain as one of the worst-affected areas until roughly 10.30pm on Thursday. He said very few residents observed the City's restrictions on fireworks, and many of those setting them off were believed to be minors.
The withdrawal of rescue teams means the violence of organised gangs now reaches even those who care for animals in our communities. Inspectors and volunteers who enter these areas do so at real risk to their lives, a burden carried overwhelmingly by black working-class neighbourhoods where gangsterism has been left to fester by decades of state neglect.
Max: the dog who died fleeing the bangs
Among the most serious incidents was the death of Max, a family dog in Delft. His family had locked their security gate to protect him when fireworks erupted shortly after dark. Max panicked, tried to squeeze through the bars, and was impaled. An SPCA collection officer, escorted by the City's Law Enforcement Animal Control Auxiliary Unit, rushed him to a private veterinary practice, as TygerBurger reported. Scans revealed severe injuries to his intestines and bladder, and veterinarians had no option but to euthanise him humanely.
Belinda Abraham, communications manager at the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, condemned the continued use of fireworks.
Max should still be alive today. Our thoughts are with his family. Every bang carries into the homes around you. Please think of the animals inside and celebrate without fireworks.
At least five animals required urgent veterinary attention on the night, with Cape Town Etc reporting that the city recorded more than double the number of fireworks-related incidents compared with last year's Guy Fawkes period. The SPCA deployed eight inspectors across Cape Town to assist frightened, injured and displaced animals, according to the Daily Voice.
A mother dog and her puppies found in a drain
Although AWS had not been informed of fireworks-related animal injuries during its own operations, teams made another distressing discovery: a mother dog and her young puppies found in a drain. It is suspected the mother carried her puppies into the drain seeking shelter from the noise.
The animals tested positive for canine distemper and had to be humanely euthanised. Perrins called distemper a terrible disease and said he suspected the mother was unvaccinated and possibly free-roaming.
The case lays bare the state of animal care in poor communities. Vaccination drives and accessible veterinary services remain out of reach for many households on the Cape Flats, and the animals pay the price.
City reports stoned vehicles and attacks on passers-by
The City of Cape Town confirmed sporadic reports of antisocial behaviour linked to Guy Fawkes in Lavender Hill, Lotus River and Elsies River. Incidents included vehicles being stoned and passers-by being attacked with paint and other substances.
The City's Public Emergency Communication Centre also received complaints about illegal fireworks.
Our enforcement agencies are increasing deployment, particularly in the pockets of the city where incidents have surfaced in the past. We appeal to the public to please refrain from these behaviours as it can result in serious injury and also criminal charges.
The municipality reiterated that fireworks may only be discharged at authorised displays with the necessary permits. Selling or storing fireworks without permits is prohibited, and children under 16 may not handle them.
SPCA warns about misleading donation appeals
In a separate development, the SPCA warned residents against potentially misleading animal rescue appeals after an image from one of its previous rescues appeared in a donation request by Youth Pet Care founder Nazrudeen Adams.
Abraham urged donors to verify photographs, rescue details and veterinary accounts before contributing money.
Before donating, check when and where the case happened, when the photos first appeared and what your money will pay for.
How to report distressed animals and illegal fireworks
Residents can report distressed animals to the SPCA on 021 700 4158 or 021 700 4159, or after hours on 083 326 1604.
Illegal fireworks and related disturbances can be reported to the City on 021 480 7700.
Frequently asked questions
Why did animal welfare teams withdraw from Mitchells Plain?
AWS said armed gangsters allegedly intimidated its workers during fireworks-related callouts on Guy Fawkes night, and teams withdrew for their own safety.
How many calls did the SPCA receive on Guy Fawkes night?
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA recorded 81 calls on Thursday 5 November, up 59% from 51 calls the previous year.
Is it legal to set off fireworks in Cape Town?
No. The City of Cape Town said fireworks may only be discharged at authorised displays with the necessary permits, and selling or storing fireworks without permits is prohibited.