Keep animals safe and happy this Guy Fawkes
With Guy Fawkes fast approaching we’ve teamed up with our friends at Wellington Zoo to ask residents that live close to the Zoo to please be thoughtful and respectful this year around letting fireworks off near the Zoo.
Discharging fireworks near the Zoo can be very frightening for both the Zoo animals and pets around the neighbourhood. Sadly, one of Wellington Zoo's animals died last year which they believe was a result of being severely distressed by fireworks near the Zoo.
Each year SPCA receives dozens of calls relating to fireworks; including animal injuries, frightened animals, missing pets and, occasionally, abuse of animals. We encourage people to attend controlled public fireworks displays rather than using fireworks at home and ask those planning firework displays on their properties to consider speaking to their neighbours, or leaving a note in their letterbox, so that those with pets and other animals can prepare accordingly.
For the welfare of all animals, we wholeheartedly support Councillor Fleur Fitzsimons in her calls for a 2km firework exclusion zone near Wellington Zoo. Under the Wellington City Council Public Places Bylaw it is already an offence to “discharge a firework in a public place” and this includes the Town Belt and Melrose Park which backs onto the Zoo. This year there will be extra security around the Zoo on Guy Fawkes night, however, you can help us even further by respecting this bylaw and encouraging your neighbours to do the same.
Together with Wellington Zoo we want to thank all of you for your support during this time!
Six tips for improving security around your home
1) Improve outdoor lighting
Ensure that streets, driveways, and front yards are well-lit. Motion-sensor lights around homes deter trespassers by reducing hiding spots and illuminating their movements.
2) Trim your trees
Overgrown shrubs and trees provide cover for intruders. Keeping them well-trimmed around windows and doors improves visibility and reduces potential hiding spots.
3) Secure Entry Points
Ensure doors, windows, and gates are always closed when you are away from the house. Upgrade to more secure locks, deadbolts, or even smart locks for added protection.
4) Add a security camera
Place security cameras in the main entry points to your home. Doorbell cameras are also relatively cheap and a great way to keep track of who is visiting your home when you aren't there.
5) Start a Neighborhood Watch Program
You could reach out to members on Neighbourly to form a group of neighbors who can regularly keep an eye out for suspicious activity and report it. You could also check with Neighbourhood Support to see what is existing in your area.
6) Introduce yourself to your neighbours
The closer you are to your neighbors, the more likely they’ll notice when something unusual or suspicious is happening around your property
Feel free to share anything that you do around your area to deter crime.
Poll: Is dumping an issue in your neighbourhood?
There's nothing worse than strolling around the streets in your neighbourhood and seeing dumped rubbish.
Have you noticed this in your area? What could we do to combat this around the country?
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43% Yes, I've seen some illegal dumping
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56.4% No, our neighbourhood is pretty good
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0.6% Other - I'll share below
Steady As You Go Falls Prevention Class for Seniors
We are taking calls of interest for our popular city venue SAYGO class on Thursday at 10am.
Call Ann on 04 499 6646 for more information.
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