In a landmark decision, Redcar and Cleveland councillors have voted to ban the practice of giving live goldfish as prizes at local fairgrounds, sending a resounding message in support of animal welfare. The motion, proposed to “send a clear message that commodification of live beings is not acceptable,” has gained widespread support and marks a significant step toward protecting the well-being of these aquatic creatures.
The controversial practice of offering live animals as fairground prizes has already been prohibited in Scotland. However, in the rest of the UK, it falls upon individual local councils to make such determinations. Redcar and Cleveland’s decision reflects growing concerns regarding the potential harm and stress inflicted upon goldfish, which often find themselves in unsuitable living conditions after being awarded as prizes.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has been a vocal advocate for ending this “outdated practice.” The ban, which was spearheaded by Justin Thompson, the Conservative councillor for Skelton East, enjoys cross-party support and is celebrated as a milestone in safeguarding animal welfare.
Under the new regulations, fairground operators in Redcar and Cleveland found violating the ban will face severe penalties imposed by the local council. Moreover, in England and Wales, it is already illegal to give fish as prizes to individuals under the age of 16 who are not accompanied by an adult. Some other councils in England have gone a step further by banning the practice entirely.
Redcar and Cleveland’s bold stance on this issue has not gone unnoticed. Advocates for animal rights and welfare hope that this decision will set a precedent for other councils across the UK to follow suit, thus putting an end to the controversial practice of offering live animals as fairground prizes.
This move reflects society’s evolving understanding of animal rights and the responsibility to protect all creatures, no matter how small, from unnecessary harm and distress.
Resources:
1.https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/council-to-ban-goldfish-prizes-at-fairgrounds/ar-AA1hvPWp
2.https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-tees-66958455