The RSPCA is today relaunching its #NoFunAtTheFair campaign, calling for the outdated practice of giving pets away as prizes – mostly, though not exclusively, goldfish at fairs – to be banned.
The charity is also 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 is also 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.
A Savanta survey of 2,732 UK adults aged 18+ carried out nationwide in June found that across the North of England, the public broadly supported the RSPCA’s campaign. 92% of respondents in Yorkshire and The Humber were “shocked” that pets can still legally be given away as prizes, with the North East and North West not far behind on 90% and 89%.
Yorkshire and Humber was also most certain that keeping goldfish in plastic bags classes as “animal cruelty,” with 88% compared to the North West’s 83% and 81% in the North East.
When it came to the idea that “local governments in England and Wales should ban the giving of pets as prizes on council-owned land,” the North East was most sympathetic, with 85% in agreement, compared to 81% in Yorkshire and Humber and 77% in the North West.
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and fairs and shows become more commonplace, we’re urging our supporters to help us spread the message that this outdated practice needs to be placed well and firmly into the history books.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 to find this is still happening (91%) and there is also a high proportion of the public (79%) 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.”
