Giving animals away as prizes should be banned, charity argues

A charity is calling for the practice of giving pets away as prizes to be banned.

RSPCA Cymru said more than four in five adults in Wales think local authorities should ban giving pets as prizes on land owned by councils.

So far, 12 local authorities in Wales have already forbidden the practice but the charity is urging more to introduce a ban.

The councils already enforcing a ban are Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Conwy, Flintshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Pembrokeshire, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Torfaen County Borough, the Vale of Glamorgan and Wrexham.

While some localised action has been taken by town and community councils, the practice is still allowed in 10 council areas in Wales.

The Animal Welfare Act 2006 made it an offence for anyone believed to be under 16 and not accompanied by an adult to be given an animal as a prize.

In England, 34 local authorities have taken action, while in Scotland it’s an offence to give an animal away as a prize to anyone regardless of age in most circumstances.

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The charity is also urging the Welsh and UK governments to act on a national level and introduce legislation.

RSCPA Cymru’s public affairs officer, Sioned Nikolic, said there was “strong public support” for further action to be taken.

“Ahead of the summer holidays – as fairs and shows become more commonplace – we’re urging our supporters to help us spread the message that this outdated practice needs to be placed well and firmly into the history books,” she said.

Holly Homer from Caerphilly has campaigned on the matter and in 2020 handed a petition to the Senedd calling for a ban on pets as prizes.

“The campaign is crucial to the welfare of many animals across the country,” she said.

“Unfortunately, many animals – mainly goldfish – are still disturbingly viewed as an object or a simple prize to bring us short-term pleasure – only to live an unnecessarily short life of neglect and pain.”

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A Welsh government spokesperson said it planned to “introduce a broad range of policies” in this area.

“Our Animal Welfare Plan for Wales sets out how we will deliver our Programme for Government commitments in this area,” the spokesperson added.

“During this government’s term, we will introduce a broad range of policies building on our high welfare standards for farmed, companion and other kept animals.

“Local authorities are able to take action to prohibit the activity of giving animals as prizes at events held on council-owned land and we are aware several have already.”

A spokesperson from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said it was “an offence to cause an animal any unnecessary suffering”.

“We are clear that if anyone considers that an animal is suffering at a fair then they should report it to the relevant local authority who have powers to investigate such matters.”

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