Redbridge Council has joined the RSPCA's #NoFunAtTheFair campaign and banned the use of pets as prizes.

Cllr Tanweer Khan took the motion to a full council meeting on Thursday (November 17) where it received cross-party support and was agreed upon unanimously.

He said: “The giving of pets as prizes is an outdated practice that has no place in a civilised society.

"Owning a pet requires a great deal of responsibility and commitment, and should not be based on winning a prize at a fair.

“I am glad that in Redbridge we have been able to pass this motion in support of the RSPCA's campaign in this matter and affirm our commitment to animal welfare.”

Lee Gingell, RSPCA's public affairs manager for local government in England, explained why pets should not given out as prizes.

He said: "While goldfish can make great companions, they shouldn't be acquired via a spur-of-the-moment game. 

“Goldfish are easily stressed and very often fish that are won as prizes suffer miserably from shock, oxygen starvation or die from changes in water temperature, and many may die before their new owners can get them home."