Animal lovers are urging revellers not to release ‘deadly’ Chinese lanterns into the sky to mark the start of the New Year.
At the stroke of midnight families and partygoers are expected to welcome 2015 with a bang with fireworks and the sound of champagne corks popping in homes and bars across the county.
But the RSPCA has launched an urgent appeal asking Cheshire residents not to release sky lanterns as, despite being beautiful, they could harm wildlife, livestock and birds causing injuries which they say could lead to a slow and painful death.
And Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service are advising revellers ‘not’ to use ‘flying sky lanterns’ saying the potential damage is ‘significant’ and warning that they could cause significant damage to properties and animals.
The call comes after a prize cow tragically died after suffocating on the wire frame of a Chinese lantern which landed in a farmer’s field in Mickle Trafford in 2010.
Farmer Huw Rowlands, of the Grange Farm, has repeatedly called for the lanterns to be banned, since one of his Red Poll cows died after eating the wire frame of the lantern released as part of Bonfire Night celebrations back in 2010.
His cow, called Underhills Sprite, suffocated over 48 hours after the wire from the lantern ruptured the beast’s oesophagus.
But despite his plea Mr Rowlands was shocked to discover an array of the lanterns terrifyingly close to his rare breed cattle following the New Year celebrations in 2012.
Then he discovered one of the lanterns had landed on the feed of calves Gabriella, Gaia and Henrietta.
The cattle were only prevented from chewing the lantern by an electric fence, he said.
Speaking to the Chronicle back in 2012 Mr Rowlands said: “If this particular lantern had landed just a foot closer to the electric fence, it is more than likely that I would have had at least one dead calf on my hands.”
More than 200,000 sky lanterns (also known as Chinese lanterns) are sold in the UK each year, the RSPCA claim, however most people have no idea of the harmful and often deadly consequences they can have for animals.
David Bowles, director of communications for the RSPCA, said: “Sadly, many people are unaware of the potentially deadly consequences the release of sky lanterns can have for wildlife and other animals.
“Sky lanterns - along with fireworks and balloons - may seem like innocent ways to celebrate the New Year, but if used carelessly they can terrify, injure and kill all animals - wildlife, livestock and pets.
“I think most people who saw the kind of injuries or fatalities we have would think twice. Cattle have died after bits of sky lanterns have fallen into their feed, baby birds abandoned after their parents are spooked by a fireworks explosion and scraps of balloons landing in a field could be eaten by any animal from a horse to a pet dog with fatal consequences.
“There are so many ways that people can have fun on New Year’s Eve which will not cause problems for animals, and sometimes the extra thought and care can end up making the event even more special.”
Meanwhile, Cheshire firefighters have issued advice for the celebrations, warning revellers not to cook after drinking as they could potentially cause a house fire, and asked people to follow the Firework Safety Code to avoid accidents this New Year.
For more information and advice visit the Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service Website.
