Stop carnivals from giving away live animals as prizes

Animals in general don't do well in a festival situation. Many festivals even have this as a rule - NO PETS is clearly posted at the entrance because animals can be unnerved by loud noises and weird smells and create a risk for other patrons. There is often too much commotion for sensitive prey animals who can't "get away" from the stimulation. Animals are typically overcrowded in cages or aquariums so that the booth will have enough "prizes" on hand to give away. Rabbits often overheat during spring and summer months because they can't cool down properly, even with fans and water. What happens to the animal when it goes home? Is it properly cared for? Some booths give away an animal care sheet, thinking that a single printout is sufficient to properly care for the animal. If an animal is "won" and taken home at 8pm, what stores are open (particularly in rural areas) that will have the proper habitat and food for this animal?  Will a rabbit have hay? Will an iguana have a heat source? Do people even look over what's involved in taking care of the animal before they attempt to win it? Will the animal suffer or die (since stress will complicate and amplify any problem it experiences) if it doesn't have the proper care before a store opens where a family can purchase the necessary food and equipment?
 

Who is taking the animal home?  Is it a parent, or the owner of the home where the animal will live? Many fair animals are re-homed within 48hrs of leaving the festival because the other parent said "no," the family who the child was with is not the homeowner, a landlord doesn't allow that type of pet, or someone in the home is allergic. Again, the animal experiences more unnecessary stress as it bounces from place to place - sometimes still without proper accommodations - as the phone calls are made to animal rescues or the craigslist ad goes up.  Some people who play the games only do so because they feel sorry for the animals. They want to get them out of the poor conditions, as well as hope they don't wind up in the wrong hands. Unfortunately it feeds the system, much like purchasing a puppy mill dog does. It's "rescuing" the puppy, but creates demand for more product. 
 

If your organization is considering giving away live animals as prizes to raise money, what message are you truly sending?  That it's OK to shirk responsibility for a life to make a buck? Is hoping people will feel sorry for the animals and will want to take them home the way you want to make your money? If you want your organization to thrive in the eyes of the community, don't make them feel bad. A plush animal will light up a child's eyes and a parent won't be cursing you under their breath when they're stuck cleaning the cages after the animal's novelty has worn off.