I just had a memory going to the fair as a kid but haven’t been for decades, I wondered if it was still a thing and apparently, it is. The RSPCA says that 91% of citizens were shocked to find out it still happens and 79% agree local governments should stop it. It is illegal in Scotland (and I think some counties in Wales).
Now I don’t want to call BS but I am a bit sceptical of those numbers from the RSPCA, I don’t think they’re going to be unbiased here. To be clear, I absolutely think it should be banned but I also have a feeling a large part of the population will just say “It’s just a fish, so what”. I’ll admit, I’m probably quite authoritarian when it comes to Animal rights, I’d back a ban on fireworks (sold to the public) and I know that goes down like a lead balloon.
I’m curious what people think here. I haven’t been for so long, have you seen it recently? Do you think it should be banned?
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No.
There are plenty of other things that can be prizes,, without killing something as a result.
No it’s disgusting and should be banned.
We got one of those fair goldfish when I was a kid my parents were not happy and begrudgingly bought a little fish tank, that guy lived about 15 years! We were sure he was just carrying on out of spite
Yup, small travelling fair near me was still giving away goldfish in a plastic bag as of last year, and yes, I find it horrible, knowing those poor fish are going to get shoved somewhere totally inappropriate, by people who have no interest in keeping them, and die in no time
Goldfish can live up to 40 years if properly cared for – but they have a reputation for being short-lived because they’re neglected by so many owners. I’m 35 and my parents still have a goldfish in their pond that I got when I was 5/6 (I initially had a few, most lived 10-15 years.)
It’s awful that people can “win” an animal that requires care – especially a child who definitely isn’t ready for the responsibility. If they were handing out kittens as pets the people would be up in arms but apparently because it’s a fish it’s okay to let it live a short, neglected life.
I think the RSPCA might have the right of it – I think most people probably do agree that animals shouldn’t be given as prizes, but have not thought about it and don’t care particularly.
If you asked them they’d say, ‘No, that’s not on,’ and would baulk at a dog or a cat being given as a prize. They’d probably think of fish being given as prizes as ‘something that used to happen’ but I think it’s been a cliche and piece of visual shorthand for most people.
Whether most people care enough to object – boycott the fair, sign a petition, donate money – I don’t know. I imagine the most they might do is not accept it as a prize, mainly to avoid the hassle; better the kids have a cuddly minion instead.
I’m sure a law to make ‘animals as prizes’ wouldn’t trouble most people – unless there is a agricultural tradition of raffling piglets, or aristocrats giving horses as prizes or reptile owners clubs giving away snakes? Most pet owners and animal lovers wouldn’t want an animal going into the care of someone who wouldn’t look after it and provide it a suitable environment – a snake going to another snake enthusiast is different to some kid suddenly being made responsible.
I’m amazed that any fairs still offer fish as prizes – it seems so much more hassle to keep and breed fish, than to mass purchase soft toys or cheap plastic tat which can be slung in a wagon, left in a lock up and allowed to get cold, hot or whatever.
I’ve never seen live animals offered as prizes – feels like it stopped in the 70s?
I don’t see a problem with it providing proper care is taken. I won a gold fish at a fun fair for 50p when I was a kid. I went straight to the pet shop to buy a bowl and fish food. I was a happy kid.
No I don’t think it’s a good idea to be honest
If you want a pet you should put a bit more thought into it imo, that’s a live animal…
Used to work in a pet store and for every person who was happy to take advice on setting up a tank, doing water testing and choosing appropriate fish there was one who would walk in with a tiny vase/bowl from B & M and demand 2 goldfish for little johnnies birthday. No amount of pleasantness would convince them that goldfish are not just disposable pets and I got sworn at on multiple occasions for refusing sale. 🤷♀️.
We absolutely should not be giving living things as prizes.
I also would agree with firework ban or at least the ones you buy to be silent. The joy in fireworks is surely the colours and display not the ridiculous loud bangs? But maybe we are in the minority!
The big question is how many fairs still do it. Given councils all agree not to allow circuses to perform with animals, I expect the same applies to fairs with pets as prizes. Haven’t seen one in this millennium.
It doesn’t need to be made illegal if no fair can get a licence to operate if they have live prizes.
No.
I thought it already was banned. Animals shouldn’t be a disposable novelty.
It’s a local council matter
Councils started banning the practice well over a decade ago (RSPCA campaigned on this) and I’d be surprised if it happened anywhere now, because bans are widespread (possibly complete by now) because fairs are travelling events and it would just be too much hassle to have different prizes in different places
Goldfish can live for 40 years and grow to be quite big (can be up to 30cm in captivity, even bigger in the wild) if cared for properly and in the correct size tank. It also takes a lot of effort to clean the tank regularly, do water changes, ensure theres plenty of enrichment for them, feeding them etc. It’s a commitment, just like any pet is.
It should be banned. It wouldn’t be acceptable to win a cat or dog, and fish (and all small pets) are still hard work and deserve to be looked after properly and given the chance to live a long and happy life just as much as cats and dogs do.