A group in Grand Falls-Windsor is working on addressing the use of personal fireworks outside of designated times, and they say the issue comes down to respect.

The group includes some residents and organizations such as the Canadian Mental Health Association, and the Autism Society.

Resident Terry O’Neill is a member of the group, who has also been circulating a petition around the issue.

The town had recommended fireworks only be used between 6 p.m. and 1 a.m. on New Years, but O’Neill says that guidance was not followed by some.

He says the fireworks negatively affected the dogs in his own home, and a Boston Terrier in the town had to be resuscitated twice because he stopped breathing.

But, O’Neill says the trouble doesn’t stop at animals as many people can be negatively affected by the noise too, noting that one woman’s son had to spend the night in his room with headphones on to avoid the banging.

“it’s not just animals, it’s people that are involved,” says O’Neill, who states they don’t want to get rid of fireworks all together, they just want people to follow the guidelines.

Representatives from the group will be meeting with members of council on the issue Monday night.