WITH bonfire night fast approaching, NFU Scotland is urging the public not to use Chinese sky lanterns and take extra care with fireworks in order to protect farm livestock.

Speaking ahead of bonfires and fireworks being lit around the country on November 5, the union says it would welcome the dangerous lanterns, being banned for both personal use, and from being part of any display.

It also urges those setting off fireworks to give some consideration to any livestock that may be in fields or sheds nearby.

The 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 animals. They 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.

The union understands that eight Scottish local authorities - Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Angus, Falkirk, Highland, Perth and Kinross, Shetland Islands, Orkney Islands – have already banned the release of sky lanterns and/or helium balloons.

NFUS will be writing to all those who haven’t put a ban in place already, to urge them to consider doing so. The union is encouraging members to write to their local council supporting a ban.

Penny Johnston, the union’s animal health and welfare policy manager said: “Bonfire night and fireworks are a long established part of celebrations at this time of year. We believe people can have a great evening while taking the needs of those who live and work in the countryside into consideration.

“Sky lanterns are seemingly innocent devices, and are beautiful to look at, but they can cause untold damage as there is no control over where these burning structures of paper, metal and wood decide to land.

“Across the UK, there have been many reports now of fires started by lanterns and harm to the health of livestock when lanterns have landed in farmers’ fields and been eaten.

“Fireworks are a long established part of the celebrations at this time of year and we don’t want to stop anyone having fun. However, given the noise and bright lights, it is unsurprising that each bonfire night also brings a few reports of cattle, sheep, horses and dogs being scared and traumatised when fireworks are set off irresponsibly.

“Although winter is approaching, the fantastic autumn weather means that many livestock can still be found in the fields around Scotland’s cities, towns and villages.

“Taking the time to inform their keepers of any planned or private firework displays may prevent any unnecessary suffering for animals”.