From the Telegraph (UK)
Portsmouth City Council has banned helium balloons because they kill wildlife such as turtles, dolphins and seabirds.
The latex material can block animals' guts when swallowed, or wildlife can get tangled up in strings or ribbons.
Now the city council has banned mass balloon releases taking place on its land, including schools.
Councillor Jason Fazackarley, the executive member for the environment, said: "I am not a killjoy.
"Balloons may look nice but once they are released into the atmosphere, whoosh, they are gone.
"Then they might choke some innocent turtle to death. They think it is a jellyfish and eat it and die horribly and slowly."
He added: "I am not talking about banning balloons from people's houses, parties, or community halls."
Helen Somerset-How, of the Rainbow Centre in nearby Fareham, which raised £1,000 for children with cerebral palsy last September by launching balloons, said: "We sold each balloon for five pounds which raised funds for us. What else are we supposed to do - cut a ribbon? That's nothing compared to the fun and visual impact of a balloon race."
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