They spend their lives bobbing around in a small glass bowl filled with some gaudy gravel and maybe an underwater plastic tree. No one ever said goldfish have a great life.
But is it enough to justify a ban on goldfish sales? The San Francisco Animal Control and Welfare Commission believes it is. And the group is promoting a proposed law to prevent the sale of goldfish in San Francisco.
The proposal might seem strange. But some believe it’s primarily a move to raise awareness about all kinds of creatures living in inhumane conditions.
A similar plan flopped when the San Francisco Animal Control and Welfare Commission’s tried to outlaw puppy and kitten sales about a year ago, according to ABC News. That idea was aimed at reducing breeding mills.
The goldfish theme just might a splash. That is, if its intent is to raise publicty or awareness. A city official told ABC News, however, the proposal has a slim chance of ever passing.
This is at least the second time in recent months that goldfish made the news. In April, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), successfully pressured a bar to stop goldfish racing. The Harmon Tap Room in Tacoma, Wash., agreed to stop allowing patrons to race the goldfish.
During the races, patrons shot water-filled squirt guns at the goldfish in an effort to propel them along two long plastic gutters, according to USA Today.
Goldfish racing could easily be deemed cruel, especially in the hands of a patron who's had a few beers. But allowing a young child to enjoy a goldfish? Maybe not so much.
Sources: ABC News, USA Today
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