LONDON - Legislators are calling on Britain's government to ban Chinese paper lanterns, because of a risk to cows, sheep and other livestock.
Some members of the House of Lords called for a ban on Thursday, following concerns expressed by Britain's National Farmers' Union.
The large paper lanterns, which each contain a candle and are made of paper and a wire frame, are often released into the air to mark weddings, birthdays or other celebrations.
Often the lanterns can drift for several miles (kilometres) and land in rural fields.
Baroness Janet Fookes says the pretty decorations pose a danger to animals. Cattle have eaten the wire frames and died as a result.
Rural affairs minister Bryan Davies urged manufacturers to make the lanterns biodegradable.