It’s 5 November 2025, and Guy Fawkes Night is here. Over the years, it has become normal to celebrate the annual British tradition in South Africa, usually with loud displays of fireworks.
While the Cities of Cape Town and Johannesburg have introduced laws to prevent the illegal use of fireworks, there are many folks out there who try their luck and set off fireworks anyway.
This can have seriously distressing effects on your pets, according to the Cape of Good Hope Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).
HOW FIREWORKS CAN AFFECT YOUR PETS
When fireworks are set off, the noise they create is amplified several times over for your pets. This can lead to long-term nervous, aggressive and damage-causing behavioural patterns.
Per a recent post by the SPCA, your dogs and cats can come to harm in several ways as they try to hide from the noise:
Pets will run in blind panic through glass door panes and even into oncoming traffic, and those that find a hiding place will likely not find their way back home again.
PROTECT YOUR PETS ON GUY FAWKES NIGHT
If fireworks are ignited in your area tonight, you are advised to do the following:
In the event that they flee outdoors, make sure that their information is up to date. This includes updating your contact information on their tags or collars and ensuring that your pets are microchipped. That way, they can be identified and safely returned to you.
Alternatively, you can speak to your veterinarian about using natural calming remedies for your pets.
CURB FIREWORKS USAGE
In Cape Town, you are not allowed to host a public fireworks display without a valid permit.
Similarly, in Johannesburg, fireworks are only permitted at designated areas and are limited to six dates a year, including Guy Fawkes Night and Diwali.
If you’re found in violation of these laws, you can face hefty fines that could cost you thousands of rands.
For the safety of your pets, report any illegal fireworks to your local police station immediately.
