People have been urged not to take part in any initiatives that involve the use of sky lanterns as a show of support for frontline workers after a bull was killed in Co Antrim.

The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) said the lanterns, which consist of thin paper, wiring and a small candle, posed a serious fire risk and a hazard to animals.

UFU deputy president Victor Chestnutt urged any of the public planning to take part in a sky lantern spectacle to support the NHS to consider the consequences before doing so.

“The burnt out remains from the lanterns often fall into farmers’ fields, littering them and potentially hurting livestock. Not only are sky lanterns damaging to the environment there is the possibility that livestock will eat the metal wire frames which will then pierce their internal organs and cause life-threatening injuries,” he said.

Bamboo risk

Chestnutt warned that biodegradable alternatives made with bamboo frames also posed a risk to livestock. He said the bamboo could be chopped up during silage and hay making, finding its way into animal feed. The bamboo could then be ingested, causing serious internal damage.

Earlier this week, a pedigree bull, Crugmelyn Brenin, was killed by a lantern at Kilbride Farm in Co Antrim, a leading breeder of Simmental cattle.

Along with the risk to animals, the lanterns also pose a fire risk.

“The Natural Hazards Partnership have issued an amber wildfire warning for the coming five days, given the recent dry weather and periods of strengthening winds.

“The emergency services are already under huge pressure dealing with COVID-19 and we don’t want to add to their workload by creating a wildfire that has the potential to damage the environment and harm those in close proximity,” Chestnutt concluded.