Ban pets as prizes –
Stop animals being given away at fairs
Fairs might bring back fond memories, with jingles, sugary doughnuts, and arcade prizes. But for animals given away as prizes, there is no fun at the fair. Goldfish won at funfairs suffer from severe stress, oxygen deprivation, and sudden changes in water temperature. Many die before they even make it home.
Put an end to this unfair game
Giving animals as prizes — especially goldfish at funfairs — is still happening across England and Wales.
Many of them are won by children or their parents, who are unprepared to take on a pet, simply as the result of winning a game. In 2025, 86% of UK adults were surprised to learn that winning goldfish at funfairs is still happening, and 73% believe local councils should step in and ban it.
Contact your councillor today and stop their suffering.
84% of UK adults agree that keeping a goldfish in a bag is animal cruelty
Pets aren’t prizes or something to be won
Fish are sentient beings, which means they can feel pain. We believe all animals should be treated with kindness and respect. However, the sad reality is that treating them as objects is far too commonplace.
Scotland has already made it illegal in almost all circumstances to give animals away as prizes — a big step towards protecting animal welfare. In England and Wales, the law stops giving animals as prizes to anyone under 16, unless they are with an adult. This is not enough.
In recent years, our incredible supporters in Wales campaigned to ban pets as prizes. Now, all local authorities in Wales have agreed to ban the giving of pets as prizes on council-owned land. It’s time for councils in England to follow.
Over 140 councils in England have already banned this practice, but many more still need to act. Your voice can make a difference! By contacting your local council, you can help stop animals being given away as prizes at funfairs and fairgrounds.
When it comes to pets as prizes, you win — they lose. Let’s change that.
We all want to see a world where pets are acquired responsibly, well looked after and respected.
Fish advice and welfare
Fish deserve just as much care and consideration as any other pet. Ensuring proper fish welfare means providing the right environment, nutrition, and enrichment to help them thrive. We have all the guidance you need to care for a pet fish, including essential advice on their diet to keep them healthy. If you're passionate about making a difference for fish and other animals, explore how you can get involved with RSPCA campaigns and advocate for better animal welfare.
Other campaigns that need your support
No fun at the fair
Fairs can evoke a sense of nostalgia for many, with fairground jingles, sugared doughnuts and arcade game prizes. Sadly, there's no fun at the fair for the animals given away as prizes.
Giving away goldfish in plastic bags as prizes is too commonplace across England and Wales. In 2024, 91% of UK adults were shocked to discover that this still happens and 79% agree that local governments should step in to stop this.
Take action
Over 70 councils in England have banned pets as prizes - but there are still so many more that need to join us. By taking action, you'll be encouraging your local council to stop this practice on council-owned land.
When it comes to pets as prizes, you win, they lose.
Prevent pets as prizes
Since 2021, almost 80 local authorities across England and Wales have banned pets as prizes - but there's still so many more that need to join us.
By taking action, you'll be encouraging your local council to stop this practice on council-owned land, as well as write to their respective Government for wider change.
When it comes to pets as prizes, you win, they lose.