Redcar and Cleveland councillors have unanimously approved a motion proposing to ban live goldfish giveaways at local fairgrounds. The move is aimed at sending a clear message that the commodification of live beings is not acceptable. While Scotland has outlawed giving live animals as prizes, the practice remains subject to local councils in the rest of the UK.

Justin Thompson, Skelton East’s Conservative councillor, spearheaded the motion, emphasizing its role in protecting the welfare of animals. The motion has gained widespread support from peers across party lines.

The RSPCA, a prominent animal welfare charity, has been actively campaigning against this “outdated practice” and is urging local authorities to follow suit. Lee Gingell, RSPCA public affairs manager, emphasized that banning such giveaways is a crucial step in safeguarding animal welfare.

The motion, once enacted, would empower Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council to impose severe penalties on fairground operators found violating the ban. The move aims to put an end to the practice of handing out goldfish in plastic bags, a tradition that often results in the premature death of the aquatic creatures shortly after being brought home.

Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland MP Simon Clarke expressed strong support for the motion, stating that he couldn’t see any valid arguments against it. The ban would align with regulations that already prohibit the giveaway of fish as prizes in England and Wales to individuals under 16 who are unaccompanied by an adult.

The discussions around the ban reflect a growing consensus that live animal giveaways, especially goldfish at fairgrounds, should be consigned to history for the well-being of the animals involved.