Sky Lantern Warning Issued Ahead of New Year’s Eve Celebrations

A reminder of the dangers sky lanterns can cause to local wildlife and animals has been issued ahead of the New Year’s celebrations later this week.

RSPCA Cymru is reminding members of the public of the problems associated with the use of sky lanterns; which can cause harm to wildlife, livestock and other animals by causing injuries that lead to suffering and a slow painful death.

In recent years sky lanterns (also known as Chinese Lanterns) have become a popular way to see in the New Year, with many sending lanterns off into the sky at midnight to mark the event.

However RSPCA Cymru has strongly advised against their use and recommends that harmless alternatives are sought to prevent the dangers posed to animals.

RSPCA Cymru’s Public Affairs Manager, Chris O’Brien, said: “Sky lanterns can be popular as part of New Year’s celebrations, but it is vital the public understand the dangers associated with their use.

“As we prepare to bid farewell to 2014, RSPCA Cymru strongly urges the public to consider the harm sky lanterns can cause to pets, farm animals and wildlife, and consider suitable alternatives for their New Year celebrations.”

RSPCA Cymru has long highlighted the dangers of sky lanterns, and continues to call on the Welsh Government to implement an outright ban on their use across Wales.

Last October 2013 the Welsh Government wrote to local authorities encouraging them to introduce a voluntary ban, and so far five out of the 22 have done so. These are Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire, Caerphilly and Conwy.

Mr O’Brien added: “”ive local authorities in Wales have banned the use of sky lanterns on council-owned land, and we will continue to campaign in the hope the 17 local authorities in Wales will follow suit.

“Whilst an outright ban remains RSPCA Cymru’s objective, local authorities can deliver a powerful statement to their local community and beyond by implementing voluntary bans on the land which they control.”

So far more than 200 people have urged their council to ban the use of sky lanterns on their land. To join in and take the action visit http://www.rspca.org.uk/getinvolved/campaign/skylanterns

(Pic – RSPCA Cymru)