My name is Destiny and my organization Aquatic Ally promotes the welfare of pet fish.

Science has shown that fish have both the capability to suffer and the intelligence to be aware of their suffering, and are worthy of protections against abuse. Abuse that has been unfortunately common in most pet stores.

Betta’s popularity and misconceptions about their care and biology has lead to them being some of the most commonly mistreated fish in the pet trade. 

Bettas don’t thrive in tiny puddles in the wild— Captive Bettas require a MINIMUM of 5 gallons. Although bigger is ALWAYS better when choosing an aquarium size, Betta fish take breaths at the surface so a long, shallow tank is recommended. 

They will not be healthy or happy living in so-called “self-contained ecosystems,” confined in a vase with nothing but a plant on top to feed them—their natural diet is insects and larva, not roots.

Bettas need filtration, warm water, enrichment like plants and caves to explore, and regular feeding and tank cleaning. Many fish tanks that you can buy easily, are nowhere near the appropriate size to keep a fish happy. Without proper education, some fish owners even assume it is okay to keep their Betta in the plastic container they bought it in.

That is why I strongly believe that anyone selling Betta Fish should be required to house the fish in a proper environment that is best suited for the welfare of the fish, while under their care. It is the stores responsibility to provide a healthy environment and anything less than, should be considered abuse. 

Marketing and education also need to be aligned with the scientific facts and not with the sole purpose of boosting a company’s profits.

Ask yourself if you have ever seen a happy Betta in a plastic cup. The answer is no. This practice should have been stopped a long time ago.

Please sign this petition to demand that legislation is passed that will require these abusive practices to end and in turn ensure better welfare for Betta Fish in the trade.

Thank you!