‘Goldfish are easily stressed’- West Berks council to ban pets as prizes

Goldfish won’t be given away as prizes in West Berkshire - because their welfare needs are not met - says West Berkshire Council.

The council is protecting them from being given away at events on council land - and will now also ask parish and town councils to follow suit.

It is also pressing the government for an outright ban.

“Many will take goldfish and put them in a bowl which is not the best place for a fish,” said Justin Pemberton (Lib Dem, Thatcham West), putting the motion forward to council.

“This should touch all of our hearts. Goldfish are easily stressed and many die before new owners get them home.

"Pets are for life and not just a prize to be won at a fair.

“I accept this is not the most pressing thing on people’s minds, but it is important.”

The motion says animals – primarily goldfish, but also any other potential household pets – often do not have their welfare needs met, both prior to, during and after being given as a prize, for example at fairs and other social events (licensed or otherwise).

“West Berkshire Council is to be applauded for having implemented a policy that precludes animals being given away as prizes on council owned land, ensuring that the welfare of these animals is not compromised, as well as raising public awareness of the issue and leading the way on ending this outdated practice,” says the motion.

“The legislation in its current form is not fit for purpose and does not go far enough to ban (or otherwise address) a clearly outdated and barbaric practice.

“The council should do all it can to promote good practice by urging the district’s town and parish councils to adopt our current policy of banning pets as prizes on land which they own and/or events which they manage.”

It goes on to suggest the council should formally write to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, urging that an outright ban on the giving of live animals as prizes on both public and private land be legislated for.

The matter was discussed at Tuesday night’s full council meeting.