Scheduled fireworks displays put on for community enjoyment in celebration of special occasions or events are loved by many.
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Throngs packed the Maitland CBD on New Year’s Eve and the best vantage points were sardine-packed for hours leading up to ignition.
No, not everyone was chuffed by the booms, crackles, hoots and whistles. Odds on there were people nearby with babies trying to sleep, and plenty of pooches were scared out of their wits.
But the vast majority of people enjoyed the spectacle and even those temporarily inconvenienced were given enough notice to make alternate plans or, at the very least, brace themselves.
Even so, the RSPCA at Rutherford had more than 200 dogs in its care at the beginning of 2016. Predictably, a number were picked up or brought in on New Year’s Eve.
Which begs the question: What if fireworks go off and people or their pets aren’t prepared?
The Quirks, of Weston, have been troubled by random fireworks for the past three years and in recent times the noise has become a weekly occurrence.
It causes their beloved pet dog, Rufus, a great deal of distress.
Backyard fireworks displays are illegal in NSW. They don’t just frighten dogs. They pose a threat to people, native birds and animals. They can start bushfires and put property at risk.
Mr Quirk is not taking the matter quietly. He is lobbying every avenue at his disposal – the NSW Police, members of Parliament and even the NSW Premier Mike Baird to end this “unwarranted intrusion into the lives of the citizens of NSW”.
If you are a backyard fireworks fan, consider yourself on notice.
