Each year thousands of goldfish are given away as prizes in the UK. No consideration to the animal's welfare is given and countless animals die from stress, injury or disease before even reaching the hands of a winning customer. Some councils have already banned the use of live animals as prizes, and we urge St Ives Town Council to do the same.
It's cruel and unacceptable to give away live animals as prizes. What example are we setting for younger generations, of which make up the majority attending fairs etc? This practice is devaluing an animal's life to the point where we can simply give him or her away for knocking a coconut off a stand or hooking a rubber duck.
Fish in captivity require a sizable tank, climate control and filtration, regular cleaning of aquariums, and ample enrichment. Most "prize" winners are hardly prepared for such a commitment, and the animals suffer terribly as a result. Experts agree that fish are highly complex, sensitive animals who are capable of great suffering, and they deserve better than to be doled out as trinkets.
Photo credit: Flickr: Mark Fischer: All Creative Commons
