Mr Key said he had detected a gradual public groundswell towards a complete ban on private sales, but he was not interested in leading this change yet.
Tauranga SPCA inspector Jason Blair said staff dreaded being on call during the days leading up to and after Guy Fawkes.
"Some years are busier than others, or seem to have more of an effect on animals. Fireworks can be a busy night as it often results in many dogs bolting from their properties," he said.
Mr Blair said he supported the organisation's view that the private use of fireworks should be banned. "It would limit the time frame and the scale and the incidents where intentional cruelty is used for fun."
Mr Blair asked that dog owners made sure their pets were wearing their collars in the days around Guy Fawkes so the animal could be identified and reunited with its owners if it did escape.
Animals should be kept inside and care should be taken about setting off fireworks near horses and other farm animals, he said.
Matthew and Helen Heller know all too well the effect fireworks can have on pets.
Their 3-year-old whippet-basenji-cross Milly is so badly shaken by the noise of the crackers they have to carry sedatives with them in case she needs to be calmed.
"She doesn't handle it at all," Mr Heller said. "She was a rescue dog so we don't know what her situation has been in the past. We'd be better off without Guy Fawkes Day from my point-of-view.
"I think organised fireworks displays would be a good option. You can protect animals for one night. It goes on for weeks afterwards and that seems to be the big problem."
Tauranga fire risk management officer Bill Rackham said the law change in 2008 that increased the purchase age to 18, reduced the number of days fireworks could be sold for and reduced the explosive content allowed in fireworks had helped improve safety. He could not recall any major firework-related incidents during the past few years.
ACC recorded 20 fireworks-related claims in the Bay in 2012. Tauranga Hospital did not see any fireworks related injuries in the first 14 days of November last year.
Mr Rackham said his view was that the public was capable of using fireworks responsibly so there was no need to ban them.
Tauranga mayor Stuart Crosby agreed there was no need to ban the public sale of fireworks. "There are restrictions in place for sale, which is appropriate. I believe individuals and families and groups should be allowed to let off fireworks safely if they wish."
New Zealand First list MP Clayton Mitchell agreed a ban on the sale of fireworks was unnecessary.
Tauranga MP Simon Bridges said the tightening of restrictions in 2008 had done the trick so a ban was not needed.
Bay of Plenty MP Todd Muller believed it was a matter of time before public sales were banned.
Fireworks safety tips
• Read and follow instructions
• Light in a wide open area away from anything that could catch fire
• Do not let off fireworks while consuming drugs or alcohol
• Never let a child light fireworks
• Keep a bucket of water or a hose handy
• Point fireworks at the stars, not your mates
• If one of your fireworks doesn't go, dispose of it safely. Never attempt to relight it.
- New Zealand Fire Service
