A council in Redcar and Cleveland has passed a motion proposing a ban on live goldfish giveaways at local funfairs.

Redcar and Cleveland councillors argue that this ban would send a clear message that the commodification of living beings is unacceptable.

While giving live animals as prizes has already been banned in Scotland, it remains a matter for local councils in the rest of the UK.

The RSPCA, an animal welfare charity, is calling on local authorities to put an end to this outdated practice.

Justin Thompson, the Conservative councillor for Skelton East, urged fellow councillors from all parties to support the motion, which he sees as a step forward in protecting animal welfare.

He stated, "For the most part, it means putting a stop to handing out goldfish in plastic bags, which will likely die within a day or two of being brought home. Other councils have already taken this step, so it's about time we did too."

Simon Clarke, the MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, expressed his support for the motion, stating, "I can't see why anybody would argue against this."

Once the ban takes effect, funfair operators found violating the rules could face significant penalties from Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.

In England and Wales, it is already prohibited to give fish away as prizes to unaccompanied individuals under 16.

RSPCA Public Affairs Manager Lee Gingell noted that people are often surprised to learn that giving goldfish as prizes at funfairs is not already illegal.

A spokesperson from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs emphasized that causing unnecessary suffering to animals is an offense, and councils have the authority to investigate such matters. Photo by ぱたごん, Wikimedia commons.