Fireworks In South Africa - Know The Law!!!

Know the law, report offenders and make your voice heard.

*The explosives Act No 26 of 1956. This law applies nationwide with no exceptions.

It is unlawful to discharge any firework in any building, on any public thoroughfare or in any public place or resort without prior written permission of the local authority. (Section 10.34) Section 10.35 relates to public displays of fireworks and states that no person may do so on any premises without the written permission of the Chief Inspector of Explosives (commonly known as “having a permit”). This written permission will stipulate conditions and any non-compliance with them is a criminal offence.

In terms of the Explosives Act, no person shall allow or permit any children under the age of 16 to handle or use fireworks except under the supervision of an adult person. This Act is enforced by the South African Police Service (SAPS) not by the SPCA. Please report any offences to your nearest SAPS, giving as many details as you possibly can and quoting the Act name and number plus the relevant section as given above. Ignorance of the law is no excuse-penalties are severe.

Do not be afraid to report offenders, using fireworks on private properties. We are referring to domestic properties in this section and to shop-bought fireworks. Whether or not it is legal to set off fireworks on a person’s own property is governed by the local by-laws. In some areas, no firework may be set off at any time without the written permission of the local authority. In other areas, it is permitted to set off fireworks on specified dates between certain times on domestic properties.

Please check local by-laws and make sure the by-laws you examine or are referred to are the most up-to-date ones. Many Municipalities amended their by-laws recently specifically on the issue of fireworks. Your Council or your local SPCA should be knowledgeable on the situation in your area. In some areas, the discharging of fireworks could be an offence in terms of noise pollution. It is worth checking – and it is always worth reporting any untoward or hooligan use of fireworks.

How to keep your pets safe

Many domestic animals are frightened by loud noises, particularly the loud bangs and piercing sounds produced by fireworks. To avoid distress you should take appropriate measures to ensure the well being of your pets. If you are unsure as to how your pets will be affected, note that animals that are sensitive to thunderstorms are likely to react similarly to the noise of fireworks. If you are at all unsure of your pet’s reaction it is best to take precautionary measures.

Fireworks are a cause of panic for many pets and we hope that these tips will help keep your animals happy and safe – More family pets will run away from home during holidays involving fireworks than any other days of the year. As a precautionary measure in case your pets are frightened and run away, make sure your animals have identification tags or microchips to ensure that they are returned safely when they are found.

If possible, stay home with your animals if you suspect fireworks are about. If you can’t be home with your animals, keep them inside. Make sure that your pets have access to their favourite “safe place” or find a quiet, comfortable, enclosed room where your pets can “hide” if they need to. Ensure that they cannot break through a window or slip out of a door.

Attempt to mask any noise by drawing curtains and playing calming music at a reasonable volume

Put familiar and comforting things around them such as toys, baskets etc. Provide them with something to do such as giving your dog a chewy bone or lots of catnip or a catnip toy for felines.

Witbank Animal Clinic was contacted about what tranquilizers can be given to their dog and cats. The vet recommended ACP and it takes 40 minutes to work and last for approximately seven hours. The vet asked if you could please bring your pet in so the correct dosage is given. (Information supplied by the Public Relations Department of the NSPCA – visit their website at for more information.)

A few facts:

Unless special Council authorization has been applied for and granted, there are only 11 days annually when residents are allowed to “light or ignite” fireworks. Guy Fawkes and Divali are such days. (R500 fine on other days). Except for New Year’s Eve, the only permissible time period for igniting fireworks on these days is between 19h00 and 22h00 (7 to 10 pm). (R500 fine at any other time).

No person may light or ignite fireworks in any place where animals are present (R1 000 fine). This includes domestic homes. No person may allow any minor (child) under his or her control to “use, light or ignite” fireworks (R1 500 fine). No exceptions to this rule. No person may use fireworks on any agricultural holding or at any school or senior citizens’ residence without special Council authorization (R1 000 to R1 500 fine). This authorization must be sought well in advance of intended day.

No person can use fireworks within 500 meters of any petrol depot or petrol station without special Council authorization (R1 500 fine).

No person or organization can “present a fireworks display” unless formally authorized to do so by the Council (at least 14 days’ notice before the display is required by Council to consider such an application). Authorization is also required from the Civil Aviation Authority and the Chief Inspector of Explosives. (Multiple fines of R1 500 are applicable).

Join The Fireworks Banning Initiative

Welcome to the Firework Banning Initiative, which was first started in 2006 but was inactive between 2008 and 2010 because I was busy establishing the Hopeful Foundation (http://hopeful.ws), It is due to the failure of all existing strategies and groups and a significant increase in the misuse of Fireworls in the 2009 festive season that I decided to revive the campaign in 2010.

If you believe, as I do, that fireworks should be banned, below are the steps you need to take to get involved:

1. Sign the petition: http://www.change.org/…/south-african-government-ban-firewo…

Please do NOT send out this link alone for people to sign. This campaign is a LOT more complicated than just a petition, and if people only sign the petition we will fail.

2. Go to the forum: http://hopeful.ws/arf/index.php?gid=33 and read the campaign Overview, then follow the instructions.

3. Read the Campaign Blog http://fbi.hopeful.ws

4....and send the Blog address to your friends, or send this Group address to your Facebook friends so they can join the campaign: https://www.facebook.com/groups/fireban/

5. Share the YouTube Movie: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCQak-ysuHc

6. Download and read the 'Case against Fireworks' which is constantly being updated, and distribute it to others: http://hopeful.ws/arf/viewthread.php?tid=692

7. Please go to 'Notifications' for this group, above right, and select "All Posts" - that way, you will know what is going on here all the time.

Be prepared to take action. This campaign will take the concerted effort of many people - just joining the group will do absolutely nothing; there is a need to influence Government and a petition alone will not do this....

Derek

Firework Banning Initiative
http://fbi.hopeful.ws

Letters to my BFF - Part 1

It seems just like yesterday that I met you...
At first glance. Your eyes... Your smile... Your hair... Your laugh... Nothing seemed too perfect...

But I had no idea what was in store for me, since our meeting...

3 Months later you had moved in... Living with your boyfriend was no trouble at all. It was comforting, to watch you live a happy life, knowing that your future would be a happily married couple together..

It was the year 2000, I remember it clearly... The day was sunny.. a few clouds in the sky... warm.. it was quite a day as I drove your boyfriend to pick you up... in fact, I remember it also being about 2 hours to get there.. In my shoddy little car... with a sticker on the side petrol cap, that read the name of a band, I once managed... "Paper Clip" it read... resembling an image of nothing more than the name itself. A paper clip...

I remember waiting in the car for quite some time... It was not the official day we had met... This was to come about 2 / 3 months later.... I had to wait in the car that day.. Leaving you both some privacy and some time together... I spent that day just waiting...

I guess, I was waiting because it's what I find myself doing now still.
(Which we will get into later.)

--- Finally the day came..

You were moving into our little apartment... it was a 2 bedroom flatlet. at the lower level. 1st floor. I was bewildered at the beauty that would greet me... (as mentioned above) Your eyes, and smile. everything.. at first I thought it was just the physical attraction, and really thought not much of it...

After all, you were my mates woman...

As we all lived together, we decided we would move out into a bigger place together.. It was then, that I knew that we had more in common than I ever thought..

Apart from the past, having similarities in taste in music, your current lifestyle had changed, and your music style was exactly not my forte.. Sufficed to say, neither was my taste in music for you...

(Perhaps a reminder of darker times in your past? A question I never asked, and will never know)

I had worked for a pretty reputable retail company, and your boyfriend James an IT job and was well versed in web design etc...

Because of my company shifts, I had spent much of my days off with you.. (As I'm sure you will remember one such day)

You were now pregnant, and expecting your very first child. You were having morning sickness, and had a headache... it was nearing the time James was due to return home for lunch before he went back to work..

Although quite a drive on his bike, he still came to see you every lunch time and stayed for 30 minutes...

Prior to his arrival, I offered to give you a massage, relieving all the pain and discomfort out of your head, Your headache, eyes and nausea had been treated, and you were feeling better...

It was then as you and I started sharing our stories and beliefs... Mostly bordering on music, and Elves and Fairies, all the fantastical creatures we believed existed and we made that final connection..

Nothing more happened then. We never did anything, except talked. James came home and you to had lunch together, he had seen me massage your shoulders. and this had irked him, which later came to play that evening...

Well. I must say, later that evening there was hell to pay.. I was in my room, reading I think, or was it me hiding because I heard him hitting cupboards, and angrily raising his voice at you. For no idea at the time, which only later on, I found out...

It was because he caught us talking and me massaging your shoulders and relieving your pain.

It was only once he left the house that night in a rage, drove off on his bike to cool off, that I came into the room to the damages in the room.

But the biggest damage was only later revealed to me in our friendship... <3

It was then, that I knelt down on both my knees and I made a solemn promise to you, that I would always be there for you till the day I died...

Do you remember these days? any detail of it? I know this is my side of the story and maybe one day you will read these letters here and you will remember your side of the story...

Fred <3

Picture of the Day

Peaceful and beautiful.. Keep it that way. Love Nature. 

If You Can't Explain It Simply!

"If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough."

Photo of the Week

Prettiest Little bird in her nest

A Little Thought on My Mind

Always remain calm, never tense up. Remember to breath and think before you speak.
What is said can never be taken back. Just practice peace and stay strong.
Hope, Trust, have Faith, and always remember... Today is a day for change.

Quote For The Day

Update: Birth and Death of “Baby” Dolphin at uShaka Sea World - by Ocean Watch SA

The news of a dolphin born on the 9^th of February to mom, Khethiwe, at Durban’s uShaka Sea World first broke on the 17^th of February.  On the 18^th of February, the calf was reportedly “doing very well”.  uShaka went on to say via their Facebook page that “uShaka Sea World staff are monitoring our new arrival around the clock, but are confident that "Baby" will grow to be a fit and healthy dolphin.”  However, the very next day, uShaka spokesperson, Ann Kunz, broke the news that Baby died on the night of the 18^th.  Less than 12 hours after the calf, according to uShaka, was confidently “fit and healthy”.

It’s not uncommon for dolphin calves to die within their first few weeks.  There are many contributing factors. Most agree that such factors are exacerbated when calves are born in captivity.  Some suggest that it is estimated that less than 20% of those born in captivity reach maturity.

Newborn calves must swim continually to stay afloat as their tails are soft and often take weeks to become rigid enough for efficient swimming.  Mothers will progressively take the calf longer and deeper underwater so as to increase the calf’s lung capacity. For calves born in captivity, cramped in a small and shallow tank, this mother–calf interaction, vital for its survival, is severely hindered.

Many may die from infection caused by a weak immune system. Antibodies from the mother need to build up and stabilise the calf’s immunity.  Calves are particularly prone to develop a wound infection as every scratch on their delicate skin is potentially lethal until their immune system develops.  It has been observed that mothers in captivity will attempt to guide the calf away from the walls of their concrete tanks to avoid such injuries.

Gabrielle Harris, head trainer at uShaka Sea World, reports in an in-house bulletin (Bulletin #22 of 1995-1996) that: “When a dolphin calf is born, its senses and swimming skills are not fully developed. It relies on its mother to find its bearings.  Scientists have even postulated that the whiskers that the young calves have for the first few years of their lives are nature’s way of helping the youngster find its mother’s slipstream.  It must be very difficult for a mammal to give birth in the ocean.  In a dolphinarium, these problems are compacted because of the fact that the animals have to negotiate walls in their pools.  Bearing this in mind, it is important to remember that the new calf’s immunity has not developed until it has suckled successfully.  Therefore, any injury incurred has the possibility of becoming septic and killing the youngster. Cases such as this have been extensively reported.” 

uShaka’s answer to this?  A “maternity pool” – which is essentially a net fitted into a pool.  Yet, despite such precautionary measures, captive-born babies are still dying far more often that their wild counterparts.  According to another uShaka Sea World bulletin (Bulletin #29 of 2002-2003), “Frodo, our fecund bottlenose dolphin, gave birth to her eighth calf.  She was cared for in the maternity pool, together with three dolphin “midwives”.  Initially, all appeared fine but after day nine it became apparent that Frodo had rejected the calf and elected to end its life.”   A post mortem confirmed “death by trauma”.

Perhaps the biggest mystery surrounding the birth of Baby is her paternity. Out of the 11 dolphins held at Durban’s Sea World, 8 were born at the facility – all being the offspring of either Gambit (male), Kelpie (male), and Frodo (female).  Gambit is grandfather and Frodo grandmother to Khethiwe’s calf.  The only male not related to Khethiwe is Kelpie; and therefore is the only male suitable for breeding with Khethiwe.  Kelpie is 30 years old and has only successfully sired one female twenty years ago.  What this means is that, as the father of Baby remains reportedly unknown, with 5 possible sires, there’s a four-out-of-five chance that Khethiwe’s calf was the product of inbreeding.  

An undisclosed source has since confirmed that, despite contradictory statements to media, Sea World staff knew that Gambit sired Baby, meaning that Gambit was both father and grandfather to the calf.  This in violation of internationally accepted captive breeding guidelines and ethics.  WAZA (World Association of Zoos and Aquariums) stipulates to its members that the primary goal of captive breeding is retention of genetic diversity in the captive population.

uShaka Sea World's Gavin Drysdale stated during an interview with East Coast Radio on 17^thFebruary that Baby’s paternity was a mystery.  When pressed during a follow-up interview with East Coast Radio on 20^th February, two days after Baby’s death and following wide-spread public criticism, Gavin Drysdale said: "Our scientists and biologists are totally assured that there are no inbreeding issues here. We do manage the population well and we fully understand how the dolphin pods work [and] how their reproduction happens in the wild.” 

Despite his total assurance and understanding of a dolphin’s reproduction, he would not name the father of the baby, or state whether a DNA test had been conducted and concluded in the three days since his first interview to confirm that Baby was not the product of inbreeding.

Alarmed by uShaka’s dwindling gene pool, local NGO “POD SA” enquired from Judy Mann, head of SAAMBR, back in February of 2013, the nature of uShaka’s breeding programme. Judy Mann ignored repeated requests to provide any information of the sort.

When asked to comment on the birth and death of Baby, Norma Patrick of “POD SA” said: “We, at POD South Africa, find it disturbing that a facility operating on public funding refuses to answer basic questions regarding the animals in its care. We particularly found it disturbing that uShaka did not announce that Khethiwe was expecting, leading us to believe that they have experienced miscarriages or still births in the past. It is also alarming that they did not announce the birth of the baby dolphin until a week later.  One would assume from this action that they have had deaths of newborns.  As there is a large international interest in dolphins in captivity, it is of concern that a “scientific” centre chooses to hide evidence from the world.  A facility with nothing to hide would be open and amenable to the sharing of information.”           

RIP Baby

Soon after uShaka Sea World went public with the news of the birth of Baby, social media were abuzz with many South Africans expressing their concerns regarding the unknown paternity of the calf.  Many went on to question the ethics of breeding in captivity for entertainment purposes.  Instead of uShaka Sea World responding to these concerns and reassuring the public, any comment considered at all challenging was immediately deleted and the author of the post blocked from further commenting on any of uShaka Sea World’s future posts.  We feel it is inherently dishonest to remove posts that are expressing a sincere concern regarding the animals in its care. In effect, it gives a distorted and corrupted view to members of the public, shareholders, and international tourists that the South African public unquestionably supports not only its often questionable operations, but also approve of keeping and breeding dolphins in captivity, even if it is through inbreeding.  It amounts to censorship and restriction of freedom of speech.

---

Update:

After Ocean Watch SA raised concerns regarding the circumstances surrounding the birth and death of Baby, in a letter dated 28 February addressed to PAAZAB (African Association of Zoos and Aquaria), SAAMBR Acting CEO, LK Oelllermann, stated that “Based on the gross post mortem carried out by uShaka Sea World’s resident veterinarian and the independent pathology report, we believe that the dolphin calf died of nutritional deficiency (the report cites a “negative energy balance”).”  Mr Oellerman denied inbreeding depression as a contributing factor to Baby’s death, but would not elaborate on her paternity, saying only that staff “will be embarking on a full re-evaluation of [their] current dolphin management strategy as soon as possible.”  When Ocean Watch SA further pressed for clarification on Baby’s paternity, our requests went unanswered.

According to a news article dated 6 March, Sea World’s Gavin Drysdale said the death of Baby was attributed to an infection which was exacerbated by “nutritional deficiency and mis-mothering”.  He added that despite speculation surrounding her paternity, no genetic tests were conducted to determine Baby’s sire.

uShaka Sea World – funded by the City of Durban; its former CEO facing mounting corruption charges –  once again shrugs off any and all accountability.

Written by Mia du Plessis

Tell uShaka Sea World to RETIRE dolphins Gambit and Frodo

Tell uShaka Sea World to: RETIRE wild caught dolphins Gambit and Frodo. After performing for 36 and 33 years, it’s cruel to continue to exploit them. DESIST additional peak periods shows/night shows. STOP functions with electronic music after 8pm. ENSURE animals not disturbed after hours & have clearly defined day and night times. STOP photo & meet programmes and the touching & kissing of animals. Dolphins not to be asked to beach themselves for photographs. STOP artificial insemination and all captive breeding programmes.

Take cognisance of the inherent cruelty of keeping the 11 dolphins in captivity in a facility totally unlike their natural environment and displaying them in circus like circumstances and exposing them to prolonged periods of noise and activity. STRANDED ANIMALS - ONLY practice rehabilitation and release. Tell uShaka we don’t need any further mammals in captivity to be educated or entertained.

View the online Petition here: http://owl.li/jSuay

Why this is important?

The dolphins and seals at uShaka Sea World are used to earn an income for SAAMBR under the guise of educating the public. Shows extend to night shows. Public are encouraged to touch and kiss the animals and have photos taken where dolphins are required to beach themselves. All night parties featuring techno and electronic music are deemed as not disturbing and are allowed. We believe entertainment should not include the use of wild animals.

Image of the Month

By Frederic Egersdorfer

Picture of the Month

Picture of the Month

Made by myself. Fred.

Let's Party

I will move forward toward the light, encompassing all and embracing the night. Cause the evening is young and the party has just begun. - Frederic Egersdorfer

Healing

Time to Heal!!!

My wounds are open, 

My heart is broken

But the healing has begun.

The future is waiting

I have picked up the pieces

...and now I will be one.

♥ < ŦRЄÐ > ♥

I Put You First.

I have recently Lost a dear friend... 

Someone whom I thought would stand by me forever... I have been so loyal toward them, that in the end, my loyalty and commitment to protecting them turned me into the bad guy. 

No matter how happy they said they were, I got used to being the guy they called on every time something went wrong.

I got used to being needed by them so much that I put them first. 

I stood by them for many years and I let my feelings get in the way. Yet I always put our friendship first and foremost.

I gave them my full support and encouragement.

This person has a lot of potential, and I hate to see it go to waste.

Since then my loyalty has been seen as obsessive, and jealous. All because I was still looking out for their best interest. 

Then I stood up for myself and since then, the shit hit the fan. 

I Love Her Because

I love and miss her, because she is great company and has a laugh that you can instantly fall in love with.
Eyes that draw you deep into her soul.
And a nature about her that is truly mystifying.

Picture of the Month of January 2013

After 12 Whales were trapped in the ice, this has got to be
The best picture taken of the year so far.

12 Orcas trapped in Quebec sea ice

Picture of the Week...

Say Hello!!!

Remove the Bars and Watch me be Free!!!

We have started our Anti Animal Captivity Campaign... Here is the link - AACC. we are proud that in one day we received an overwhelming response and got up to 40 likes... today, 8 more likes appeared. (48 in total) so we are on a roll...

If you believe wild animals should be kept in the wild. then this is a page for you... simply like AACC, and add the page to your interest list... also do not forget to subscribe to all notifications otherwise you will not get all the information you need...

Remove the Bars and Watch me be Free!!!

My Choice Pic of the Week

No Matter What.

A friendship can weather most things and thrive in thin soil; but it needs a little mulch of letters and phone calls and small, silly presents every so often - just to save it from drying out completely. - Pam Brown

-----------------------------------

A friend loveth at all times. - The Bible, Proverbs 17. 17

Tomorrow is just another Today

Today... yes today. A new day... I like this day. It's not a complicated day.

I have many ways to make it through this day... Should I stay, or should I simply make my way out of this room into that cruel cruel world? Yet everyday, I am faced with new challenges... I surely hope you will make my day worth while.

It's a summers day, a cloudy day, no sun, yet the birds sing bright and the air is fresh... I like today, cause it's my very own day. My day that will in no way inflict upon my mood, despite my anguish I am always drawn to the light that shines brighter than the sun.

You will always be the one that makes my day worthwhile, whether with or without you, I always know you are near.

I can not wait for another day, knowing I may see or speak to you again. the agony of the wait does not go in vain... I feel the pain, but my love is strong, and even if I can not go on. Today is worth living on.

Tomorrow is another day,. tomorrow will be another day, tomorrow will be another today.