Live animals will no longer be given as prizes at events on council land as a call for an ‘outright ban’ is backed.

A Notice of Motion calling for Pembrokeshire County Council to join other authorities in Wales to ban the giving of live animals of prizes – with the issue predominantly concerning goldfish – at events such as fairs on its land was brought to cabinet this week.

Cllr Alistair Cameron tabled the motion and highlighted an RSPCA Cymru campaign opposing the giving of pets as prizes and the fact that “goldfish are easily stressed and very often fish that are won as prizes suffer miserably from shock, oxygen starvation or die from changes in water temperature, and many will die before their new owners can get them home.”

He said that it was not a particular issue in Pembrokeshire but if such requests for fairs were made a “clear policy” would be in place.

Five other councils have supported the RSPCA campaign including the Vale of Glamorgan, Newport, Caerphilly, Wrexham and Conwy.

Cllr Cameron’s motion also asks that the council write to Welsh Government to request an outright ban on both public and private land in Wales.

Cllr Jon Harvey added an amendment at the meeting on Monday (September 5) that town and community councils also be asked to consider implementing a similar ban on their land, which was also supported by cabinet.

RSPCA Cymru has welcomed the move by Pembrokeshire County Council who become the latest council in Wales to take the stand against the outdated practice - following the #NoFunAtTheFair Pets as Prizes campaign, which was re-launched by the RSPCA back in June.

Cllr Cameron, said: “I am delighted that Cabinet has backed my Notice of Motion that an outright ban on the giving of live animals as prizes in any form is implemented on Council land.

“I’m also pleased the Council will write to the Welsh Government requesting an outright ban on both public and private land across Wales and I hope that the move taken by this Council will increase the likelihood of a total ban across the country.

“Animal ownership is a big responsibility that needs to be planned and well-thought out, in order to help provide the best quality of life for that animal - not a spur of the moment event resulting from a game.

“There is no place in the 21st century for pets being given as prizes.”

RSPCA Cymru’s public affairs manager, Chris O’Brien commented: “We are delighted that Pembrokeshire County Council has taken this action, which really highlights how important animal welfare is to local representatives and their constituents.

“It is also fantastic that the council is going to write to the Welsh Government to encourage them to consider an all-Wales ban; and will also be writing to their local town and community councils to also encourage them to adopt bans on their land too - which is a great proposal.

“There’s huge momentum behind this campaign; and that's in no small part to our amazing supporters who have urged their local Council and Councillors to act in such jaw-dropping numbers.

“Many people are quite shocked when they hear that giving fish and other pets as prizes isn’t already banned - so we hope that we can continue to raise awareness and hope the local authorities who are contacted as part of this campaign listen to their constituents and take action promptly.”

Chris added: “Animal ownership is a big responsibility - and while goldfish can make great companions, they shouldn't be acquired via a spur-of-the-moment game.

“Goldfish are easily stressed and very often fish that are won as prizes suffer miserably from shock, oxygen starvation or die from changes in water temperature, and many may die before their new owners can get them home.

“They’re misunderstood pets - as they can make great companions; but can actually be challenging to look after and 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.”

The RSPCA continues to make the case to both the Welsh Government and UK Government that pets being given away as prizes should be banned outright, and that national legislation in both countries is ultimately a requirement.