December 12, 2022
Paws Up!
To city council members in Jacksonville, Florida, for favorably voting to ban releasing balloons or sky lanterns.
Balloons are colorful orbs that have the power to injure and kill wildlife. If you live near the coast or have visited the beach, remnants of balloons or other trash floating on the water’s surface or washed ashore is an unsightly scene. These foreign objects taint the beauty of nature and threaten the health of wildlife.
When balloons are released during celebrations or memorials, no thought is given to the animals they harm. Deflated balloons ingested by animals can cause blockages leading to starvation. Strings tied to the end of balloons can cause animals to become entangled in them. Tragically, these entanglements can maim animals when the string wraps around their limbs, or animals can suffer from strangulation when the string wraps around their necks.
Some coastal cities and towns throughout the U.S. are protecting their wildlife, marine life, and the environment by passing laws to ban mass balloon releases. According to a recent news article, city council members in Jacksonville, Florida, voted to amend a current ordinance to prohibit individuals from releasing balloons or sky lanterns during events. If anyone is found guilty of breaking this law, they will face a $50 fine.