The Quirks said they had frequently heard fireworks near their home during the past three years and that it had increased to a weekly occurrence in recent months.

The noise upset their dog Rufus and resulted in many sleepless nights as they tried to settle him.

Mr and Mrs Quirk said they were concerned about the danger the fireworks posed to people, native birds and ­animals, and family pets, as well as the risk of a bushfire and the possible threat to property and the environment. 

“The use of fireworks was normally limited to Friday or Saturday evenings, but in the last several weeks they have been heard on other evenings as well,” Mr Quirk said.

“The local dogs, which are more sensitive to noise than humans, react very badly to the noise.

“It is now a regular occurrence that we have to bring our dog inside to sleep as the noise disturbs him badly.”

Mr Quirk said he had called police three times in the last 10 days of 2015 to report the use of fireworks near his home, but by the time police arrived, the fireworks had stopped.

He has written to various members of Parliament – including Premier Mike Baird – to request a plan to stop what he called an “unwarranted intrusion into the lives of the citizens of NSW”.

“Fireworks are dangerous and not just a nuisance,” Mr Quirk said.

“The use of them must be stopped before there are serious consequences.”

Read what the Mercury has to say here

Backyard firework displays are illegal in NSW and those who possess, use, store or transport fireworks ­without a WorkCover licence face heavy fines or imprisonment.

Using fireworks without a licence risks an on-the-spot fine of up to $2000 with penalties ranging up to $27,500 for displaying fireworks without a licence. Selling or ­buying fireworks without a licence can also result in fines of $27,500 and 12 months jail.

Anyone with information on the illegal use or sale of fireworks should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.