(Image: SASCHA STEINBACH/EPA-EFE/REX)The lanterns have been banned in all but one of Germany’s 16 states since 2009 because of the fire risk. Despite attempts by wildlife campaigners to ban them, sky lanterns, also known as paper and Chinese lanterns, are still legal in England, although they are banned on council-owned land or property in Wales. It is estimated 200,000 are sold and released each year in the UK, littering the countryside. While fires like the one in Germany are rare, these lanterns are causing frequent injuries and suffering to animals and are having a devastating impact on the environment. Releasing lanterns and balloons makes an impressive sight for a celebration but they can have devastating and sometimes fatal consequences.

Source: Daily Mirror January 05, 2020 20:37 UTC