There is a common misconception that fish can live in small bowls or tanks without adequate filtration. Each species of fish has their own set of requirements, different water temperatures and water volumes. Fish bowls and tiny aquarium should be banned in the UK selling them should be made illegal. 

Last year I walked into a pet shop eager to be the best pet owner. I asked as many questions as I could to make sure I could build the best home for my new pets, It didn't occur to me that the staff would give me wrong advise. I was sold four goldfish in a 54 litre tank that was not cycled. The pet store knew this. I faced many problems and after joining aquarium groups on Facebook I learned about the mistakes I unintentionally made. It cost me a lot of stress and money to build a real safe home for my fish. One year on they are happily living in a 350 litre tank. They are lucky. Not all fish make it. After extensive research I have heard many stories of fish painfully dying after owners were given the wrong advise from pet shops. It has opened my eyes to how cruel the aquatic trade can be. 

My aim is to ban bowls and aquarium that are less than 20 litres, manufacturers of fish tanks should stop the production of tanks any smaller than this. Fish should have the opportunity to live in a space where they can swim freely and grow to their full potential. Fish should be given the chance to thrive and not just survive. Small tanks for aquascaping and shrimp ect should be sold those for intents and purposes only and should be labelled with a disclaimer that they are not an adequate size to keep fish. Pets at Home currently have a ‘Betta Tank’ on their website which is only 7 litres, we ask that tanks like this stop being sold. 

Pet shops should make basic training in aquarium welfare compulsory for all pet shop staff. Training should include information on the nitrogen cycle, water parameters and knowledge on the minimum tank size each fish species requires. By doing so I believe this will prevent the cause of animal suffering inflicted by pet owners unintentionally. The Animal Welfare Act 2006 needs to be reviewed and amended to stop pet shops from putting profit before the welfare of animals. It should be illegal for fish or any live animals to be be sold as a prize as fairs, they are often given away in bowls without a second thought. 

It should the responsibility of pet shops to provide the correct information on how to keep pets, owners should never be made to feel guilty about harming their pets after they were given the wrong information. Pets at Home are an example of this, many people who have bought a pet fish from their stores have later learned they have been given the wrong advice. That’s why we want to #banthebowl

This petition is proudly supported by the Fish Rescue & Welfare The Aquatic Charity EST. 2011.