VOICE
FOR THE VOICELESS strives to raise public awareness of the harm that fireworks inflict on people, domestic animals, wildlife and the environment; and to
convince KwaZulu-Natal's Hibiscus Coast Municipality to enforce a complete ban on
the import, sale and discharge of pyrotechnics in its area of
jurisdiction.
“Because I believe that animals should not be
frightened, because I believe that fireworks pollute
the atmosphere and because I believe that consumers
have the power to make change for the good: - I
pledge not to use fireworks and I give an
undertaking not to support outlets that trade in
fireworks.”
VOICE FOR THE VOICELESS
A campaign to stop the anti-social practice of fireworks
traumatizing people and animals of the Hibiscus Coast,
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
For too long, elderly
people, children and animals have been terrorised by anti-social
behaviour involving fireworks. However, fireworks remain a holiday
fixture in most communities around the world despite the increased
acceptance of alternatives such as laser light shows.
Fireworks
can create joy and excitement, but for many of the population
and for all animals, fireworks are no cause for celebration.
Restrictions must be put into place.
Voice for the
Voiceless calls for a
total ban on the import, sale and discharge of fireworks. Until
this aim is achieved ...
Consideration must be given to alternatives to firework
displays, such as laser light shows and fairy light
processions set to music.
Private fireworks
displays must be banned completely and fines must be issued by
the authorities should the Bylaws be transgressed.
Only
organised firework displays, with local government permission,
should be allowed
Fireworks should
only be sold to licensed pyrotechnicians
The
use of loud and percussive pyrotechnics must be banned completely
Displays must only use non-toxic, non-percussive fireworks
Displays should not be allowed where wildlife gathers or
nests, especially threatened or endangered species
Displays should not be allowed in residential areas
Displays should not be allowed to place crops and indigenous
vegetation at risk
Displays should be kept short
All
area humane societies, animal care and
animal rescue groups must be alerted at least three months in
advance of firework displays
Sufficient public notice of firework displays must be provided
to allow residents ample time to make arrangements and take
precautions.
Firework safety material must be distributed in schools and released through
all local media outlets prior to times of firework use
