Farming organisations are highlighting the risk fireworks and sky lanterns have on farms as a fire hazard and on livestock health.
Many farmers and rural organisations are calling on the public to have a happy – but lantern-free and considerate – bonfire night this November.
Sky lanterns, which are constructed from paper with a wire or wooden frame and contain a lighted candle, are a proven fire risk and can be a danger to livestock.
They also pose a fire hazard to stacks of hay and straw, woodland and farm buildings. If they land within crops grown to feed livestock, the frames risk being ingested causing great harm to livestock.
Farmers' Union of Wales (FUW) is one organisation calling for the public to stick to the firework safety code "at all times".
FUW Policy Officer, Charlotte Priddy said: “This time of year poses many dangers to animals and children – so don’t let negligence and ignorance be the cause for a real-life horror.”
Animals in general are not fond of the noise of fireworks and can become quite anxious during this time of year. Therefore, the union has urged people to be considerate and not let them off near livestock.
“It is also a good idea to make sure that your pets have been micro-chipped by a vet and that the details on the chip are up to date prior to bonfire night, just in case they go missing,” said Mrs Priddy.
Farm groups recommend people visit an organised display, but if one is to be displayed at someone's home, the firework code should be followed at all times to minimise the stress for farm animals.
'Devastating damage'
NFU President Minette Batters has previously said that farmers tell of the "devastating damage" sky lanterns have caused to buildings and fields.
She said farmers have told of "gruesome injuries" they can cause to livestock and other animals.
“Simply put, all of these lanterns must land somewhere and while they may look pretty in the sky, they also become unnecessary litter across our beautiful countryside,” Ms Batters explained last year.
“We have already seen numerous councils ban sky lanterns, who have rightly recognised the danger they pose, and I would encourage the remaining local authorities to follow the good examples set across the country.”
The NFU has said it would like to see a total ban on sky lanterns across England and Wales.
