31 Jul 92% shocked in the Eastern area that pets can legally be given away as prizes
More than nine in 10 UK adults in the Eastern area of England (92%) are shocked that goldfish and other pets can still legally be given away as prizes – as the RSPCA calls upon councils across England to ban the practice.
Today, (30 July) the RSPCA is relaunching its #NoFunAtTheFair campaign calling for the outdated practice – which mostly involves goldfish being handed out as prizes – to be banned. The charity is urging its supporters to call upon their local authorities across England to stamp down on this practice to protect animals that otherwise often could suffer as a consequence of being given away.
In England, the RSPCA is aware of more than 70 councils who have banned this practice – but the charity wants to see more. 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 is ultimately calling on both the UK Government and Welsh Government that pets being given away as prizes should be banned outright, and that national legislation in both countries is ultimately a requirement – but local councils taking action is a great step in restricting the practice locally, and raising awareness about animal welfare.
New data* obtained by the RSPCA has found that:
More than nine in 10 (92%) UK adults in the Eastern area are shocked that pets can still legally be given away as prizes.
88%
UK adults in the Eastern area agree that keeping a goldfish in a bag is animal cruelty.
85%
UK adults in the Eastern area are not aware that pets can be given away as prizes, while 10 per cent are aware.
83% UK adults in the Eastern area agree that local governments in England and Wales should ban the giving of pets as prizes on council-owned land.
Goldfish are the animal most commonly associated with prize-giving. Over the past few years (since 2020), there have been 44 reports (involving 390 animals) about pets being given as prizes made to the RSPCA; but the charity fears many incidents go unreported.
So far since its June 2023 launch – a mighty 12,409 people have supported the RSPCA campaign which follows more than 8,325 throwing their support behind the issue in 2022.
RSPCA Campaigns Officer Christa Harwood said: “Now we are in the summer holidays and fairs and shows become more commonplace, we’re urging our supporters across the Eastern area to help us spread the message that this outdated practice needs to be placed well and firmly into the history books.
“There is clearly strong public support for councils to take action, so we’re urging the many councils across England yet to act to adopt our motion for change to do so. The more people who sign our action, the more councillors will get the message that a ban is needed – and wanted – in their areas.
“It is clear that people are shocked in the Eastern region to find this is still happening (92%) and there is also a high proportion of the public (83%) who want local governments to ban it on their own land.
“People can help make a difference for animals by helping us spread the word and taking our supporter action.”
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.
Goldfish are easily stressed and very often fish that are won as prizes suffer miserably from shock, oxygen starvation or die from changes in water temperature, while many may die before their new owners can get them home.
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.
“Goldfish are easily stressed and often, fish won as prizes suffer miserably from shock, oxygen starvation or die from changes in water temperature, and many will die before their new owners even get them home. They’re misunderstood pets – as they can make great companions; but can be challenging to look after and owners must do their research before they acquire the fish, not afterwards.
“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.”
Last week the RSPCA published its landmark Animal Kindness Index in partnership with the Scottish SPCA and USPCA which offered an important snapshot into society’s attitudes towards animals.
The findings of the Animal Kindness Index raised concerns of a “compassion gap” between the generations – with the people spending most time online, and being most frequently exposed to animal abuse on the internet, also having the least favourable opinions about animal welfare.
While 68% of all people say they are animal lovers, this falls to 57% for those aged 18-24. The RSPCA is concerned that giving pets away as prizes risks further damaging how animals are perceived by society. Financial concerns are also fuelling an increase in the proportion of pet owners who regret having a pet. In 2023, one in eight pet owners (13%) regretted owning a pet, while this year it’s closer to one in seven (15%).
As the RSPCA celebrates its 200th birthday this year – of changing industries, laws, minds, and animals’ lives – the animal welfare charity wants to inspire one million people to join our movement to improve animals’ lives. To find out how you can help visit www.rspca.org.uk/200
