WHILST the sight of 600 helium balloons released at the AUOB march today would be spectacular, thought should be given to the hazard these balloons will present to the environment and wildlife.
To quote: “Balloons blow, don’t let them go”. Dolphins, whales, turtles and many other marine species, as well as terrestrial animals such as cows, dogs, sheep, tortoises, birds and other animals, have all been hurt or killed by balloons. The animal is usually killed from the balloon blocking its digestive tract, leaving it unable to take in any more nutrients. It slowly starves to death. The animal can also become entangled in the balloon and its ribbon, leaving it unable to move or eat.
From my experience of independence marches, the overwhelming PR is that of the photos of thousands of pro-independence marchers waving Saltires. These photos will be at the heart of our fight for independence – a far greater legacy than moribund wildlife suffering for our indulgence in balloons.
Piers Doughty-Brown
Glasgow
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