RSPCA renews call for national ban on pets as prizes amid overwhelming public support

A STAGGERING 89% of Welsh adults believe keeping a goldfish in a plastic bag constitutes animal cruelty, according to new figures released by the RSPCA.

The animal welfare charity has relaunched its #NoFunAtTheFair campaign this week, calling for an outright ban on the outdated practice of giving live animals—typically goldfish—as prizes at fairs and events.

While all 22 Welsh local authorities have banned the practice on council-owned land, it remains legal on private land in both Wales and England. The RSPCA is now urging national governments to step in and introduce legislation to end the practice entirely.

In the meantime, the charity is encouraging members of the public to “vote with their feet” and refuse to participate in fairground games where live animals are offered as prizes.

Billie-Jade Thomas, Senior Public Affairs Manager for RSPCA Cymru, said: “As we approach the summer fair season, we’re asking the public to take a stand against this outdated and cruel practice. We’re proud that all 22 councils in Wales have banned it on their land, but it’s time for action at a national level to ensure goldfish aren’t being handed out as if they were cuddly toys.”

The call for reform comes amid fresh polling commissioned by the charity. Key findings include:

• 92% of Welsh adults said they were shocked to learn pets can still be given away as prizes;
• 82% agreed that local authorities across England and Wales should ban the practice on their land;
• 79% believe national governments should introduce a total ban, including on private land;
• 76% were unaware the practice was still legal;
• 89% agreed that keeping a goldfish in a bag is animal cruelty.

Since 2020, the RSPCA has received 53 reports involving over 400 animals given away as prizes. The charity believes many more incidents go unreported.

Goldfish are the species most often affected. Despite their reputation as easy pets, they are complex animals that can live up to 30 years and grow up to 30cm long. They are prone to stress and injury, particularly when kept in small bags with insufficient oxygen or temperature regulation.

Evie Button, the RSPCA’s animal welfare expert, warned: “Handing someone a sentient animal in a plastic bag undermines how we value animals as living beings. Many goldfish given away in this way die before they even make it home. It’s not only inhumane but sets a dangerous precedent about responsible pet ownership.”

Scotland already has legislation banning the practice in almost all circumstances. The RSPCA is calling on the UK and Welsh governments to follow suit.

The public can support the campaign by signing the petition at: www.rspca.org.uk/getinvolved/campaign/petprizes

THE AIR around a historic mill on the Bluestone National Park Resort estate has been found to be cleaner than any site currently monitored by the UK Government.

Black Pool Mill, an early 19th-century water mill that now houses a restaurant near Canaston Woods, has been recording air quality since 2024 as part of Bluestone’s ongoing commitment to sustainability.

According to the data, the mean average of PM2.5 – fine particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter – at the site is just three micrograms per cubic metre. That is significantly below legal limits in Wales (25) and England (20), and cleaner than any figures recorded at official UK monitoring sites.

PM2.5 particles can come from aerosols, vehicle fumes and industrial emissions, as well as natural sources such as dust and pollen. The health impacts of long-term exposure to these particles are well documented, contributing to respiratory and cardiovascular issues.

Professor Paul Lewis, Chief Scientific Officer at Health and Wellbeing 360 and Clean Air Programme Regional Champion for Wales, is leading the research. He said: “Black Pool Mill is clearly way below the legal thresholds. South Pembrokeshire benefits from westerly sea winds and very low levels of man-made pollution. The mill is surrounded by ancient woodland, in a sheltered estuary valley, and sits within Bluestone’s car-free resort – all of which contribute to these outstanding results.”

Environmental scientist Marten Lewis, director of sustainability at Bluestone, said: “We’re delighted but not surprised. This confirms that our efforts to protect the environment and put the wellbeing of our guests and staff first are paying off. Following our recent King’s Award for Enterprise in sustainable development, this shows why Bluestone stands out as a model for regenerative tourism.”

Mr Lewis added that Bluestone is now looking to trial new low-particulate cleaning products and expand monitoring to indoor areas including lodges, the resort pub, and children’s play facilities.

Black Pool Mill reopened in 2023 following extensive restoration and now forms part of Bluestone’s visitor experience, offering seasonal food in a historic riverside setting.

Photo caption:
Clean air: Black Pool Mill sits in ancient woodland near the River Cleddau (Pic: Bluestone)

HENRY TUFNELL MP has sharply criticised the state of Wales’ water sector, demanding comprehensive reform to address a “culture deaf to crisis.”

In a strongly-worded statement following the release of a new Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee report, Mr Tufnell condemned the substantial bonuses awarded to water executives, specifically highlighting those at Dŵr Cymru.

He said: “With water bills soaring and service performance at an all-time low, how on earth can these water companies justify forking out millions of pounds paying inflated salaries and bonuses to executives? It’s completely wrong.”

Earlier this year, the MP called out the bonus payments at Dŵr Cymru as “unjustifiable,” a criticism reinforced by the committee’s report published today. The document outlines several recommendations, urging the Independent Water Commission to address systemic issues in the industry.

“Our failing water sector needs root and branch reform,” Mr Tufnell stated. “We must break the cycle of poor service and excessive executive remuneration.”

The report comes amid increasing public frustration over rising water bills and declining quality of service across the country. The committee’s findings call for increased transparency and accountability in executive pay structures and more rigorous oversight to ensure that consumer interests are prioritised over profits.

“We need immediate action,” Mr Tufnell insisted. “Customers deserve far better than what they’re currently receiving