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!
Poll: How should Guy Fawkes be celebrated?
While it is a fun occasion, fireworks on Guy Fawkes Night has caused much conflict over the years, upsetting our pets and disrupting the sleep of neighbours.
How should we celebrate Guy Fawkes Night? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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27.8% With a city-wide public fireworks display
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21% Small fireworks displays in each community
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7.9% Keep it as is
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31.5% We shouldn't celebrate it!
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11.3% Anything but fireworks
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0.4% Other - I'll share below
Have you seen Colin?
Police are appealing for information to locate 14-year-old Colin, who has been reported missing in Titahi Bay.
He was last seen at around 6.15pm, Monday 4 November. He was wearing a khaki green sweatshirt and black-and-white striped basketball shorts, and riding an e-bike.
If you have seen Colin, or have any information that may assist in locating him please update us at 105 online or call 105, referencing file number 241104/1862.
What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?
Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.