The Welsh Government has called on local authorities to bring in a voluntary ban. At the moment four out of the 22 local authorities in Wales have a ban on the release of sky lanterns on council land. The four councils are Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire, Caerphilly and Conwy.
Sky lanterns (also known as Chinese lanterns) can harm wildlife, livestock and other animals by causing injuries that lead to suffering and a slow painful death. RSPCA Cymru advises against the use of sky lanterns and recommends that harmless alternatives are sought to prevent injury, suffering and fatality of animals.
RSPCA Cymru is joined by farming unions, fire and rescue services and the Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales in warning of the dangers associated with lantern use and their sale has already been banned in countries such as Austria, Germany, and Malta.
RSPCA Cymru Head of External Affairs Claire Lawson said: “We would urge people to be mindful of the risks to people, animals and the environment that sky lanterns pose and refrain from using them.
“We are pleased to see that four local authorities have agreed on a ban, but we would like to see more. We are urging people to contact their councils to push for the ban.
“Ultimately we would like to see the Welsh Government ban the use of sky lanterns across the whole of Wales.”
To support the campaign and to urge your local council to ban the use of sky lanterns on council land visit http://www.rspca.org.uk/getinvolved/campaign/skylanterns
