In This Issue
Pets at Home reveals new ‘store of the future’ format as part of a million-pound makeover
Making a real difference to dogs’ quality of life
Pet products are winners on new BBC1 TV programme
Natures Menu ranked one of UK's fastest growing international firms
Pet firm invests in renewable energy at Norfolk factory
Busy Zoomark for large number of UK exhibitors
Barking Bakery goes international with popular dog cakes
Pet Brands launches new Cath Kidston range to trade
Frozzys announces new flavour launch for Spring/Summer
Fish4Dogs leads the way on dog-friendly workplaces
June 21st: Save the date for Britain's favourite dog day out
Beaphar to increase pet-owner knowledge and footfall with new ‘worming made easy’ campaign
Award-winning pet care brand launches Fragrance Range
Get your own copy of Pet Trade Xtra
Tesco offers discounted 'Clubcard Prices’ on pet food
Dog food company targets sustainability
Scruffs strikes gold in LUX Awards 2019
World’s best-selling performance canister filter redefined and redesigned
Ruffwear launches 'passpawt' to support local businesses in Lake District
Ultimate product in aquarium plant care
Companion Consultancy launches new training division for retail sector
FourFriends Pet Food sets up holiday promotion with Toad Hall Cottages
Make treat time fun with help of Catit Play’s Treat Puzzle
The best of the previous Pet Trade Xtra
Specially-installed ‘mega’ freezer boosts business at award-winning pet store
Owner claims dog ‘almost died’ after visit to Pets at Home store
How have pet products fared on the show so far? Find out on BBC iplayer
Say no to prize goldfish at fairs, says OATA
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Say no to prize goldfish at fairs, says OATA
 

The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association is urging people to refuse to accept prize live fish at fairs and is calling on local authorities to support its position that fish should not be given away in this way at places like fairgrounds.

 

As the fair season approaches, the UK trade body which represents the tropical fish industry is asking local authorities to check the terms of any licences issued to these businesses to make sure they comply with animal welfare standards.

 

OATA does not condone the use of live fish such as goldfish as prizes at places like fairs, says its Chief Executive Dominic Whitmee.

 

“Fish are like any other pet and should never be taken on as an impulse, such as winning it from a fairground stall,” said Dominic.

 

“Fish are vertebrate animals which means they have the same protection from cruelty as other animals like dogs and cats. As the season for these forms of travelling entertainment starts to gear up we would ask local authorities to use their powers to prevent fish from being given away as prizes to an unprepared public.

 

“More importantly we would urge the public to refuse these fish if offered them as a prize because that may be the best way to stop this unsuitable practice for good.

 

“We know that in the past winning fish in this way may have been an introduction to the great hobby of fishkeeping but the world moves on. Goldfish are great for those with big tanks or garden ponds but they live for a long time so they are quite a commitment to take on. Winning one at a fair is not the right way to take on a fish which can live for 20 years if well looked after.

 

“There are plenty of beautiful and better ‘first’ fish to be found in a proper fish shop where you’ll also get expert advice and a helping hand to create a welcoming and properly matured tank ready to take on your new pets, which a prize fish won at a fair certainly won’t get.

 

“We feel strongly that anyone offering fish to the public should at least meet the conditions applied by the local council to pet shops in that area, such as stocking, holding and water quality criteria. We cannot see how these conditions can be achieved in a fairground situation so would urge local authorities to use what powers they have to stop this practice continuing in their area.”

 

The full position statement from OATA can be found on its website at http://www.ornamentalfish.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Fish-as-prizes-apr-2015.pdf

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