The sport of kite fighting should be prohibited in Toronto parks and those caught using dangerous metal or nylon string should be fined, a city council committee said on Tuesday.

Toronto's Parks and Environment Committee approved an amended proposal to regulate kite fighting in city parks after reports that cut wires and debris have harmed or injured birds.

But the proposed rules wouldn't stop regular folks from flying their kites; just kite fighters. It's a sport best known for its role in the popular novel "The Kite Runner."

Kite fighting involves two or more people attacking other kites by using string that is chemically treated or contains glass fragments. The goal is to cut the opponent's kite string.

City officials say kite fighters are doing more than that: They are leaving deadly debris in city parks that stops other kite flyers from enjoying themselves and also harms birds.

Anyone caught using the hazardous strings would face a $300 fine, according to the proposal.

Kites that feature standard cotton string would not be affected by the rules.

"When we are talking about fishing wire that is threaded and coated with this chemical and also with shards of glass, it is very impactful in the environment," said Coun. Michelle Berardinetti.

Competitive kite-flying leagues would be able to seek permits to hold events, but could have those permits revoked if debris is not cleared afterward.

The committee was told that certain parks, such as Bluffers Park and Scarborough's East Point Park, should not be used for such events because they are in the line of bird migration pathways.

City council will consider the regulations on June 14.

The issue became so controversial that all forms of kite flying were banned in Scarborough's Milliken Park last year after bunches of the dangerous kite wires were found all over the park.

Dave Meslin, an avid kite flyer who organizes the Windfest Kite Festival, applauded the city's decision on Tuesday, saying it should lead to more freedom for regular kite flyers.

"I am really supportive with what they are doing – they are trying to come up with a regulation that regulates those that are using dangerous methods while allowing the rest of us to fly freely," he told CTV Toronto.

With a report from CTV Toronto's Naomi Parness