Several distraught callers were in search of their pets, who were terrified by exploding fireworks.

"(We) were quieter for serious cases this year, but there were more complaints than last year," said SPCA chief executive, Mr John Eaton.

At least three dogs trying to escape the noise from exploding firecrackers were knocked down, two fatally.

"The animals were lost and frightened and were trying to break down dors to get inside," said AWSSA spokesperson Ms Louise Calmeyer.

An angry Green Point resident, Mrs Petra Sparreveld, last night said the noise in her area carried on till after 11pm. "It sounds like a ball. I'm fed up. Ten o'clock is cut-off time."

She had contacted the police, but they had not been aware of the municipal curfew.