Letter: Ludlow Mayfair goldfish ban is welcomed

I was pleased to see the sensible decision by Ludlow Town Council to ban the use of live goldfish as prizes.

There has long been disgust, among the fish-keeping fraternity, for this inhumane treatment of living sentient beings and we would like to see a blanket ban nationwide.

All pet fish need a controlled and correct aquatic environment. A goldfish bowl is outdated and cruel, you must provide an aquarium of at least two feet in length to house your fish.

Tap water is unfit because its loaded with chlorine and chloramines which eventually damage the gills and lead to a premature death.

It must be treated first using a proprietary aquatic water treatment. A filter is also required to not only keep the water clear but to provide necessary bacteria that 'eat' fish waste. Finally partial water changes of no less than 20 per cent (at the same temperature) will need to be carried out weekly.

How many people, whose child wins one of these poor fish on a whim, can provide an up-and-running aquarium and ensure that correct care is given? The answer is sadly almost zero.

Thousands of these fish die every year and, when we condemn China for putting fish and amphibians into keyring holders. Are we any better ourselves?

Finally, goldfish are members of the carp family, and, if any of them do survive to maturity, are people aware that they can reach at least eight inches in length and will fast outgrow a small aquarium?

I say well done Ludlow Council, and I wish there were more like you out there as a ban has been a long time in coming.

Sandra Jones

Ruyton-XI-Towns

See also:

• Ludlow Mayfair goldfish prize bid opposed

• Ludlow’s Mayfair organiser defends fish prizes

• Ludlow May Fair entertainers fishing for ban rethink