Rome Bans Goldfish Bowls, Seen As Cruel

The city of Rome has banned goldfish bowls, which animal rights activists say are cruel, and has made regular dog-walks mandatory in the Italian capital.

The classic spherical fish bowls are banned under a new by-law which also stops fish or other animals being given away as fairground prizes. It comes after a national law was passed to allow jail sentences for people who abandon cats or dogs.

"It's good to do whatever we can for our animals who in exchange for a little love fill our existence with their attention", said Monica Cirinna, the councillor behind the by-law.

"The civilisation of a city can also be measured by this", she told a Rome daily. The newspaper reported that round bowls caused fish to go blind. No one at Rome council was available to confirm whether this was why they were banned. Many fish experts say round bowls provide insufficient oxygen for fish.

In July 2004, parliament passed a law setting big fines and jail terms for people who abandon pets and since then local governments have added their own animal welfare rules. The northern city of Turin passed a law in April to fine pet owners up to 500 euros if they do not walk their dogs at least three times a day.

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