Zero Tolerance on Guy Fawkes Day
Knysna Municipality once again reminds residents that there is no reason to commemorate a British event, that took place 400 years ago on 5 February, when a plan to blow up the English parliament was foiled.
This year is no different and the municipality once again reminds residents that they will exercise the full extent of the law should any resident not adhere to the relevant bylaws of the municipality on, during or after so-called Guy Fawkes on Thursday, 5 November.
Louis Scheepers, Knysna Acting Municipal Manager, reminded residents, that in terms of Community Fire Safety bylaw s28 (3), it is against the law to discharge any fireworks in Greater Knysna. “In addition to this bylaw that reads: ‘No one may discharge fireworks in public open areas such as parks and beaches,’ the Public Nuisance bylaw prohibits the ‘discharge of any fireworks, fire-arms, air guns or air pistols on any premises or in any street or public place.”
He stressed that this year the municipality will act upon its Zero Tolerance Policy with regards to any illegal activities linked to these events. “We have put several measures in place to curb any illegal activities, and will not hesitate to enforce the full strength of the law through our visible patrols which will be out in force during the day and evening of 5 November. In preparation, our Law Enforcement Officials are already removing tyres in all Greater Knysna areas. They are further visiting all retail outlets, confiscating any fireworks found. They will continue to do so until after 06 November.
“Our Law Enforcement officials will be on duty within Greater Knysna from Sunday, 01 November, and will focus on known hotspots from Monday, 02 November until Friday, 06 November. Gavin Williams, the officer in charge can be contacted at 060 998 7379 – the public are urged to contact him should they have any queries, or have anything to report,” Scheepers said.
Guy Fawkes celebrations in previous years have not only caused damage to private and municipal property, it negatively affected pet behaviour in the areas where fireworks were set off. “We will do our best to curb illegal activities and ask pet owners to make the necessary arrangements to keep their pets safe. Please keep all pets indoors where possible as animals are easily frightened by fireworks and may become distressed. Their natural response is to try and escape and this may lead to tragic consequences, as we have seen in the past.”
Tips to keep your pets safe:
- Ensure all animals have identification, such as a name tag that can easily ensure that lost pets are reunited with their owners
- If possible, stay at home with the pets, or keep them inside and preferably in a room that is safe and secure.
- Try to mask any noise by drawing the curtains and playing calming music.
- Surround the pet with familiar and comforting things.
- Give pets a nutritious and balanced meal at night – this is likely to make them sleepy.
- Give them something to chew on – a chewy bone or catnip toys for cats.
- If there is a possibility that the pet will react badly to fireworks, seek professional advice from a vet who may prescribe a sedative to help them cope. There are also effective homeopathic remedies available that may be bought across the counter at vet shops to help keep your pet calm.
In closing Scheepers reminded residents that the Covid-19 still poses a danger and encouraged residents to avoid social gatherings, especially engaging in illegal activities which could lead to them becoming infected or infecting others.
“I urge all residents to refrain from any unlawful actions that could result in the damage of roads and/or property. In terms of the Community Fire Safety bylaw, offenders can be fined R500 or, in terms of the Public Nuisance bylaw, R1 000. Offenders can also be arrested and even criminally or civilly prosecuted,” concluded the Acting Municipal Manager.