The NFU and British Horse Society (BHS) have come together to call for all councils to follow the lead of 170 local authorities who have already banned sky lanterns.
Despite the dangers, around 200,000 sky lanterns continue to be sold every year with thousands potentially being lit and released to mark Chinese New Year.
Sky lanterns are a particular cause of concern for horse owners. With no way of controlling where they land, they have the potential to injure or kill horses. The BHS has received more than 25 reports from horse owners who have experienced alarming sky lantern incidents. Tragically, three of these reports were horse fatalities and six involved injuries to the horse. It is estimated only 1 in 10 horse incidents are currently reported to the BHS, so this may only be the tip of the iceberg.
The wire used in the frame of sky lanterns can cause serious internal or external injuries if encountered or even ingested by a horse in their field. As horses are prey animals, even the sight of a sky lantern looming above them can cause extreme distress, leading to injury or even fatality.
NFU Deputy President Stuart Roberts said:
“It is deeply frustrating that, despite knowing the dangers sky lanterns pose to livestock and horses and their potential for causing fires in fields and homes, some councils have still not banned them from being released.
“Currently there is no national legislation which specifically regulates sky lanterns and although many councils have used their powers to ban sky lanterns on council property, it simply isn’t enough.
“Without a national ban our beautiful countryside continues to face a major domestic threat. You wouldn’t leave a flame unattended in your house so why would you send one into the countryside with no idea where it could land?
“I would urge the government to recognise the danger these lanterns pose and introduce a national ban as soon as possible.”
Alan Hiscox, Director of Safety, The British Horse Society, said:
“Sky lanterns can cause considerable trauma or distress to horses and livestock. We urge anyone planning on setting them off to please consider the effect it may have on local animals and the potential fire risk to stables or outbuildings.
"The BHS encourages horse owners and farmers to be vigilant in checking their fields and hedgerows and report any incidents involving sky lanterns, however long ago, at www.horseincidents.org.uk.”
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