Sky lantern and balloon releases banned by North Ayrshire Council
The local authority joins most others in Scotland in introducing the ban
The release of helium balloons and sky lanterns has been banned across North Ayrshire.
Councillors passed a motion raised at a meeting on Wednesday afternoon, meaning the ban would apply to all land and buildings owned by the local authority.
It brings North Ayrshire Council into line with most councils across Scotland, including South and East Ayrshire.
Animal welfare groups have campaigned for change
Animal welfare groups, including Animal Concern, have long argued for restrictions on releasing lanterns and balloons.
They are joined by a diverse range of organisations not limited to the Fire and Rescue Service, the National Union, Keep Scotland Beautiful, the Civil Aviation Authority, the Marine Conservation Society and MPs and MSPs of all political parties.
Animal Concern spokesperson Graeme Corbett said: “We’re delighted after some months of discussion with North Ayrshire that these proposals have been passed.
“Sky lanterns and helium balloons are a risk to life and limb for all animals whether farmed, marine, companion, or wild”.
“This is the second council in as many weeks to vote on a sky lanterns and helium balloons ban.
“There’s a real head of steam getting up behind our campaign, there’s only so long MPs and MSPs can continue to ignore this.
Call for UK and Scottish Governments to take action
“We can act proactively as North Ayrshire has done and as councils around Scotland have done already, or we can wait for something disastrous to happen and then shut the stable door.”
“An election year is the perfect opportunity for government to show the same leadership local authorities are demonstrating up and down the UK.”
The dangers associated with sky lanterns and helium balloons are ingestion and acting as fire hazards in the case of lanterns.
Animals will attempt to eat grounded lanterns or helium balloons.
This carries the risk of becoming lodged in the oesophagus causing death by asphyxiation.
Sky lanterns are made from a bamboo frame and wire. Should they be damaged on landing, if ingested can perforate flesh or internal organs leading to organ failure or internal bleeding.
Sky lanterns and balloons can be fatal for animals
Both are likely to be fatal if untreated.
Local dairy farmer, and chair of the Ayrshire branch of the National Farmers’ Union (Scotland), John Kerr, said: “Releasing sky lanterns and helium balloons has consequences for farmers’ livelihoods.
“Animals are inquisitive and they’re not fussy diners, if they see something lying in a field, they are likely to try it which can be lethal. It simply isn’t possible to be vigilant around the clock.
“The risk isn’t just to livestock. Especially now as we approach hotter, drier weather, a lit lantern is a fire risk to crops, haystacks, and farm buildings.
“There is a further risk to cattle when the grass is cut and ensiled for winter feed, and the wire is chopped up and subsequently contained in hay or silage.