Animal rights activist Chris Packham has criticized eBay for allowing pet fish to be sold in fizzy drink bottles, calling it ‘irresponsible cruelty’. Packham’s comments come after a customer named Tara Smith purchased 10 cardinal tetra fish from a private seller on eBay, only to find one dead upon arrival and the rest in poor condition inside a small bottle.
The seller had packaged the fish in a 330ml bottle, leading to several deaths and distressed fish for Tara. This method of transporting live fish was deemed unacceptable by both Packham and the RSPCA, who are planning to engage with eBay regarding their policies on live animal sales.
eBay’s policy allows for the sale of aquarium or pond fish up to 5cm in length, provided that sellers have the necessary permits and can guarantee safe delivery. However, the experience of Tara and other customers highlights the potential risks and ethical concerns associated with shipping live animals in such a manner.
Packham emphasized that fish, like all animals, can experience stress and pain, regardless of their size. He called on eBay to take responsibility for ensuring the well-being of the animals sold on their platform.
Tara expressed her outrage at the treatment of the fish she purchased, noting that even small creatures like fish deserve to be treated with care and compassion. She raised awareness about the inhumane practices of some sellers and urged buyers to be cautious when purchasing live animals online.
The ordeal faced by Tara and her fish underscores the need for stricter regulations and enforcement measures to protect the welfare of animals in the pet trade. Organizations like the RSPCA and the Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association are working to promote responsible pet ownership and discourage harmful practices like shipping fish in inadequate containers.
In light of this incident, it is essential for online platforms like eBay to review and revise their policies on live animal sales to prevent further instances of animal mistreatment and cruelty. Consumers should also be vigilant and informed when purchasing pets online, ensuring that sellers adhere to ethical and humane standards in their practices.
