Animal Concern welcomes North Lanarkshire Council support for ban on helium balloons and sky lanterns

An animal welfare charity has welcomed North Lanarkshire Council’s support for its campaign to ban launches of helium balloons and sky lanterns.

At a recent meeting NLC’s environment and climate change committee unanimously backed calls from Animal Concern, which is asking councils across Scotland to prohibit such launches due to the potential harm balloons and sky lanterns can cause to animals and the environment.

Animal Concern campaigns officer Graeme Corbett said: “We are obviously delighted that North Lanarkshire has moved to safeguard animal welfare by passing restrictions on the release of sky lanterns and helium balloons.

“We are particularly pleased that councillors of all parties were quick to give their support, and we’re grateful for it. They’ve shown that we can be a nation of animal lovers and that this issue cuts through party lines.

“As was raised in committee this is about raising awareness of the risks and dangers rather than punishing people. We take the view that people release lanterns and balloons without thinking through what happens next when what is no doubt an attractive spectacle, disappears over the horizon.

“Slowly but surely, we are approaching 32 out of 32 local authorities in Scotland in support of Animal Concern’s campaign, just as Wales has hit wall to wall local authority coverage.

“It is inevitable that attention will shift from the leadership councillors across Scotland are showing to the Scottish and UK governments who must now consider their obligation to act where local government can’t. This should be a no brainer for every party’s manifesto with a general election just months away.”

Others including farmers, Keep Scotland Beautiful, and firefighters have also supported bans and several councils in Scotland have already introduced restrictions.

Sky lanterns and helium balloons can cause serious harm or death to animals which eat them or become trapped in debris such as strings or lantern frames, while sky lanterns can also cause fires wherever they land.

A report to councillors also stated that these launches are ultimately a form of littering, even if not expressly covered by current legislation.

The North Lanarkshire decision means that the council will update its licensing rules, especially for events, to prohibit the launch of helium balloons or sky lanterns from any of its land or premises.