A Grantham councillor is pushing for a ban on fairgrounds giving away goldfish as prizes.

Coun Louise Clack (Lab-Earlsfield) has submitted a motion calling for such a ban to this months 'full' meeting of South Kesteven District Council next Thursday.

Her move comes as the RSPCA has stepped up a campaign calling for councils to ban such prizes and to demand central government imposes a nationwide ban.

Coun Clack's motion calls on the council to be 'concerned' about animals, especially goldfish' being given as prizes at fairgrounds, noting their welfare.

It seeks a ban on such prizegiving on council-owned land and to write to central government urging such a ban on both public and private land.

If passed by the council, Coun Clack would "action this."

Earlier this week, the RSPCA called for such a ban, urging people to write to their councillors asking them to pass motions like Coun Clack has submitted.

Goldfish are the animal most commonly associated with prize-giving – and since 2015, the RSPCA has had 144 calls about goldfish and other aquatic animals being given as prizes, though reports have completely stalled since coronavirus restrictions were put in place and shows stopped taking place.

The charity now fears that – as fairgrounds and fetes return over the summer months – many goldfish will suffer as a consequence of being given away as a prize to unprepared new owners.

Evangeline Button, from the RSPCA's wildlife department, said: "Fairgrounds are a summer family favourite – and we know many people will be delighted to see them return as coronavirus restrictions continue to be eased.

"But sadly, it's still too often commonplace to see pets – mainly goldfish – being given away as prizes. This remains legal in both England and Wales – but for the animals involved, there is no fun at the fair.

"Animal ownership is a big responsibility – and shouldn't be a spur of the moment result of winning a game. To those playing – if you win, they lose."

She explained: "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 will die before their new owners can even get them home.

"They're misunderstood pets – as they can make great companions; but can actually be challenging to look after and new owners must do their research before they acquire the fish, not afterwards.

"When bringing a fish home for the first time, it's important to set the tank up at least two weeks in advance to make sure it's all running smoothly, and this just isn't possible for someone who's won a fish without being prepared for it.

"Sadly, goldfish won at fairgrounds are held in plastic bags in unsuitable conditions for long durations and taken to homes which are not adequately prepared to meet their welfare needs. It should be candy floss people take home from the fair – not live animals."