Pets as prizes ban considered in Staffordshire

The RSPCA has particular concern about goldfish being given away as prizes

A ban preventing live animals being given away as prizes could come into effect in part of Staffordshire.

Currently, it is only illegal give them away to unaccompanied children under the age of 16, but the RSPCA has been pushing for an outright ban.

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, however, has been asked by residents to outlaw the practice.

Councillors have agreed to review the policies for events held on council land.

It is already illegal in Scotland to give an animal as a prize, and in recent years in Staffordshire, councils in Cannock Chase and Stafford have considered bans, with other English authorities prohibiting the act.

A report to Staffordshire Moorlands District Council's licensing committee said residents had been in touch through their councillors "expressing their concerns that the practice of giving live animals as prizes is still not outlawed".

The report said they suggested that doing so "would send a message that the council cares about the welfare of pet animals, such as goldfish, which may be given as prizes in many fairs and community events".

Members of the committee, who met on Friday, agreed to look at a ban.

Chairman Lyn Swindlehurst said: "We make a big thing about not buying a dog for Christmas. We shouldn't be winning living creatures - it's a good policy."