AN Animal charity is calling for Huddersfield’s MP to ban traditional goldfish bowls.
FOUR PAWS charity says many people in Huddersfield keep their fish in tiny goldfish bowls and are not aware that they may be causing suffering to the fish.
They are now urging Huddersfield MP Barry Sheerman to call for legislation in line with Italy which banned the glass bowls, which do not allow enough oxygen in to the water.
In some cases this can cause goldfish to swim to the surface of the bowl and gasp in a desperate attempt to get more oxygen to survive.
FOUR PAWS Director, Johanna Stadler, said: “We wouldn’t dream of keeping puppies or kittens imprisoned in a tiny space for their entire lives so why is it considered acceptable to confine fish in tiny glass bowls. Goldfish deserve our compassion and respect as much as any other animal.
“If you currently keep your fish confined in one of these tiny bowls please buy a larger tank.”
But it looks like the charity will not have Mr Sheerman on their side.
He said: “My children have kept goldfish in bowls for years and as long as they have enough space I don’t think it is for me to intervene in legislation”.
