The RSPCA is urging all councils to stop animals being given out as prizes at fetes and public events. The charity said the classic goldfish in a bag is an example of how the wellbeing of the animal is not being considered with this outdated idea that requires an update in the law
The RSPCA is calling on all councils to ban giving out animals as prizes at funfairs – where many die before they even get home. The charity said the outdated practice mostly involves goldfish transported in plastic bags.
They warned how they become easily stressed and very often fish that are won as prizes suffer miserably from shock, oxygen starvation and changes in water temperature. Many die before their new owners can get them home.
Just this week Dorset council became the 105th area to introduce a ban, but the RSPCA urged others to follow. 91% of UK adults surveyed were shocked to discover that this still happens and 79% agree that local governments should step in to stop this.
Currently, in England and Wales it’s an offence to give animals away as prizes to anyone under the age of 16, unless accompanied by an adult. This differs from laws in other countries, for example Scotland, where it’s an offence in almost all circumstances to give an animal away as a prize to anyone regardless of age.
All of Wales’ 22 local authorities have restricted this activity on the land which they control – but giving away pets as prizes remains legal on privately-owned land in Wales – as it is the case in England.
The RSPCA believes animal ownership is a big responsibility, and while goldfish can make great companions, they shouldn’t be acquired via a spur-of-the-moment game.
Evie Button, RSPCA animal welfare expert, said: “We all want to see a world where pets are acquired responsibly, well looked after and respected. But sadly many goldfish are at risk with their welfare hinging on the spur-of-the-moment result of a carnival game.
“Put simply, animals are not prizes. As we all strive to create a better and kinder world for every animal, the best way to keep goldfish safe and end this outdated spectre is to encourage all councils to take action and ban pets as prizes to inspire the UK and Welsh Governments to introduce outright bans – as is already the case in Scotland.”
KNOW WHAT A GOLDFISH NEEDS
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Goldfish can grow very large (around 20cm long for fancy varieties and 30cm long for common breeds) and are long-lived (up to around 30 years). The RSPCA recommends that young goldfish are kept in at least 60 litres of water per fish, with adults needing more space.
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Make sure you know what space, depth and surface area of water is needed for the number and size of your fish and find out how to acclimatise your fish to their new home. Research what food, how often and how much your fish will eat. Avoid overfeeding by giving food little and often.
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Include plants to promote the growth of aquatic animals for extra food, provide shade and release oxygen in the water for the fish.
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Find out which types of fish can live together – double-tailed goldfish are not able to swim as quickly as single-tailed fish so may miss out on food if housed with the single-tailed varieties.
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New fish should be housed separately to your other fish for a short period of time so they don’t spread disease.
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Get to know your goldfish to help spot signs of something being wrong with the aquarium or the fish being sick or injured – if in doubt, ask your vet and experienced fish keepers for advice.
