RSPCA Cymru is calling on members of the public to urge their councils to ban sky lanterns as they can cause harm to wildlife and livestock.

Sky lanterns (also known as Chinese lanterns) are causing animals significant injuries that lead to them suffering slow painful deaths.

The charity advises against the use of sky lanterns and that harmless alternatives should be sought to avoid these terrible incidents.

RSPCA Cymru is joined by farming unions, fire and rescue services and the Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales in warning of the dangers associated with lantern use and their sale has already been banned in countries such as Austria, Germany, and Malta.

Head of External Affairs for RSPCA Cymru, Claire Lawson said: “We would urge people to be mindful of the risks to people, animals and the environment that sky lanterns pose and refrain from using them.

“We are pleased to see that four local authorities have agreed on a ban, but we would like to see more. We are urging people to contact their councils to push for the ban.

“Ultimately we would like to see the Welsh Government ban the use of sky lanterns across the whole of Wales.”

To support the campaign and get your local council to ban the use of the sky lanterns on council land visit http://www.rspca.org.uk/getinvolved/campaign/skylanterns.