Decision

The Babergh & Mid Suffolk Councils have decided to ban the giving of live animals as prizes on their land and to lobby for a nationwide ban.

Analysis

outcome: The councils agreed to support the RSPCA campaign, implement a ban on council-owned land, write to the UK Government for a wider ban, and review current policies and contracts to reflect this position.

summary: The decision is about banning the giving of live animals as prizes on council-owned land and lobbying the UK Government for a nationwide ban.

topline: The Babergh & Mid Suffolk Councils have decided to ban the giving of live animals as prizes on their land and to lobby for a nationwide ban.

reason_contentious: The issue may be contentious due to differing views on animal rights, the tradition of giving live animals as prizes, and the impact on events held on council land.

affected_stakeholders: RSPCA, local authorities, event organizers, participants in events where live animals are given as prizes, and the general public concerned with animal welfare.

contentiousness_score: 5

political_party_relevance: There is no direct mention of political parties or political influence on the decision.

URL: https://baberghmidsuffolk.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1005

Decision Maker:

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: It was RESOLVED: -   1.1          The councils are recommended to agree to support the RSPCA campaign and thereby resolve: 1.2          That an outright ban on the giving of live animals as prizes, in any form, on Babergh & Mid Suffolk Council owned land is implemented 1.3          That the Councils write to UK Government requesting an outright ban on live animals as prizes on both public and private land 1.4          That the Councils carry out a review of the current policies and the terms and conditions of the contract agreements relating to the hire of council owned land and premises to ensure that they reflect the councils’ positions as regards giving of live animals as prizes.   REASON FOR DECISION With the RSPCA gaining traction since 2021 with some 50 local authorities adopting the RSPCA’s recommendations it would be prudent to adopt the recommendations and lobby UK Government for an outright ban. Alternative Options Considered and Rejected: Doing nothing could lead to animal welfare issues and result in customer complaints. Any Declarations of Interests Declared: None Any Dispensation Granted: None  

Date of Decision: