GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - No animals were taken into the Graaff-Reinet SPCA’s kennels because of crackers and fireworks set off last night.

However, the usual tradition did occur with a bang here and there.

Hillary Chaplin, an inspector at the SPCA this afternoon (1 January) said they express their gratitude to residents of Graaff-Reinet and festival goers who celebrated the town as a festival destination.

“Unlike previous years when the kennels were full of terrified and injured pets on New Year's Day, we can say with thanks that not one animal was taken in for safekeeping, due to the shooting of firecrackers and fireworks.”

Chaplin however again pleads that people must leave crackers and enjoy the festive days in a good and animal-friendly way like last night.

The Advertiser did follow up on crackers that were thrown in the centre of Church Street and found burned crackers. The suspects, who were seen throwing the crackers, stood on the pavement next to the scene, on arrival of the Advertiser at about 23:40. Evidence of burned crackers was collected.

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