Thank you for your letter regarding the releasing of balloons and sky lanterns.
I am concerned by the number of balloon and sky lantern releases which not only cause littering – already an offence – but can also cause severe damage to livestock and marine life.
I’m aware that, in 2013, the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs commissioned a report into the potential for sky lanterns and balloons to cause harm to farm animals. Sadly, it concluded that it is not possible to quantify any damage to animal welfare in ways that would justify a ban, but it did indicate that there was a significant danger of fire.
However, I believe that more recent research needs to be carried out to be able to judge the impact of releasing balloons and lanterns both on farm animals and marine life, as it’s clear anecdotal evidence suggests these types of releases have been damaging. Therefore, my colleague, the Shadow Minister for Climate Change, Janet Finch-Saunders MS, will raise this issue with the relevant Minister in the Welsh Government.
Thank you again for taking the time to write to me.