Pets as Prizes

Pets as Prizes

Animal ownership is a big responsibility, one that should be planned and well thought out, not the result of a spur of the moment event or game.

Between 2015 and 2022, there were 38 cases reported to the RSPCA of live animals being given as prizes in Wales. Of these a majority were goldfish being given at fairgrounds, however other animals including dogs, ducklings and horses were also reported during this period.

Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, it is an offence to give an animal as a prize to anyone under the age of 16, except within the family context. RSPCA Cymru believes that this does not go far enough, and would like to see legislation introduced similar to that within the Animal Health and welfare (Scotland) Act 2006, which states that it is an offence to give an animal as a prize, regardless of age, except within the family context.

As of 2023, twelve of Wales' 22 local authorities have implemented voluntary bans on the giving of pets as prizes on Council owned land. RSPCA urges the remaining ten local authorities across Wales to introduce similar bans, although a Wales wide ban on both public and private land remains the objective.

Further information regarding the RSPCA's Pets as Prizes campaign can be found in the download section below.