Calls have been made for England to follow Wales’ lead as all Welsh council land have now been designated a ‘no fly zone’ for sky lanterns.
The National Farmers' Union and the RSPCA are two organisations who have campaigned for a complete ban throughout England and Wales/7
They have highlighted the dangers these devices pose to public safety and to animal welfare.
Sky lanterns pose multiple dangers to animals, causing entanglement or entrapment. They can also be ingested; meaning sharp parts of the device can tear and puncture an animal’s throat or stomach causing internal bleeding.
Lanterns also act as a dangerous fire hazard, destroying habitats, and potentially setting animal housing, feed and bedding alight.
As the final outstanding Welsh local council, Merthyr Tydfil this week introduced a ban on the novelties.
The RSPCA has now made a call for English councils to follow suit. RSPCA wildlife information officer Llewelyn Lowen said: “These horrible devices can have deadly consequences for pets, farm and wild animals.
“While it’s encouraging to see that a few councils in England have acknowledge the dangers and introduced a ban, there’s still a long way to go. A complete ban on sky lanterns is long overdue.”
'Devastating damage'
NFU Deputy President Minette Batters said the farming union has heard from farmers about the "devastating damage" sky lanterns have caused to buildings and fields on their.
She said farmers have told of "gruesome injuries" they can cause to livestock and other animals.
“Simply put, all of these lanterns must land somewhere and while they may look pretty in the sky, they also become unnecessary litter across our beautiful countryside,” Ms Batters explained.
“We have already seen numerous councils ban sky lanterns, who have rightly recognised the danger they pose, and I would encourage the remaining local authorities to follow the good examples set across the country.
“The NFU would like to see a total ban of sky lanterns across England to safeguard property and animals.”
