THE RSPCA has praised Harborough District Council for banning the ‘outdated practice’ of winning family pets as rewards.
The authority talked about the problem at its recent complete council conference after it was proposed by Lubenham ward councillor Jo Asher.
It follows the charity revealed 2 in 5 individuals understand somebody who has actually won a fish as a reward, and one in 3 have actually won one themselves.
Since 2020 there have actually been 42 reports of family pets being offered as rewards made to the RSPCA, however it fears numerous events are unreported.
Cllr Asher said: “I am delighted the pets as prizes motion was passed at the full council meeting. My colleague councillor Buddy Anderson seconded this motion and many councillors from all parties spoke to give their support before we got to vote on it.
“Councillors from all parties voted it through unanimously. I really hope that we see neighbouring councils and others across England follow, and I really hope this helps to get an outright ban implemented by government.”
Harborough District Council has actually now signed up with some 60 regional authorities to prohibit the practice.
RSPCA spokesperson David Bowles said: “We are delighted Harborough District Council has banned pets as prizes on their land, and we’d like to thank councillor Jo Asher for proposing the motion.
“The list of local authorities who are taking action is growing and growing – but we are calling on our supporters across the country to get behind this campaign to urge others to act.
“It is really clear that people are shocked to find this is still happening and there is also a strong opinion who also want local governments to ban it on their own land.”
Goldfish are the most typical animal to be won as a reward, however the charity says they are quickly stressed out and frequently fish won as rewards experience shock, oxygen hunger or pass away from modifications in water temperature level, while numerous might pass away prior to their brand-new owners can get them home.
David included: “They’re misunderstood pets as they can make great companions; but can actually be challenging to look after. New owners must do their research before they acquire the fish, not afterwards.
“When bringing a fish home for the first time, it’s important to set the tank up at least two weeks in advance to make sure it’s all running smoothly, and this just isn’t possible for someone who’s won a fish without being prepared for it.”
Last year more than 8,000 RSPCA fans contacted their regional authority to make a modification and stop the practice from occurring on their land.
And David hopes Harborough District Council prohibiting the practice will influence others.
He said: “Thousands of people supported us in this campaign which we were very thankful for and we’re over the moon to see so many local authorities already pass the RSPCA’s notice of motion on this issue. But clearly, more needs to be done.
“We hope this summer we can spread the message further and encourage other local authorities across England and Wales to ban the giving of pets as prizes on their land, as well as taking action on other seasonal issues affecting animals.”
