Inspectors and staff spent hours preparing calming treats to ease anxiety as fireworks lit up the sky.
Midrand, South Africa (05 January 2026) – As the countdown to the New Year brought excitement and celebration for many, it also signalled a stressful and frightening time for animals sensitive to loud noises. At SPCA Midrand, however, the focus was firmly on minimising this panic with comfort.
Knowing just how distressing fireworks can be for animals, the team at SPCA Midrand took a thoughtful approach to help keep their kennel residents calm. On New Year’s Eve, General Manager Inspector Pam Pretorius, Inspector Theo Mokgatle and Animal Welfare Assistant Maisha Tshishonga rolled up their sleeves and went the extra mile.
The trio spent more than two hours carefully preparing special meatballs for every animal in the kennels. Each include a herbal calming tablet, designed to ease anxiety during the loud bangs expected throughout the night.
The initiative was made possible thanks in part to a generous donation from Marilu, who contributed towards the purchase of the calming tablets. While the full cost was not covered, the team made it clear that the wellbeing of the animals comes first.
As fireworks echoed across the city, SPCA Midrand ensured that their animals were not facing the night alone or afraid. Instead, they were met with full bellies and gentle care.
Sources: SPCA Midrand
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google.
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes and hear their incredible stories:
Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.
by 