Tom was at a fair in his hometown. He saw a table covered in tiny fish bowls.

"Try your luck?" asked the man behind the table.

Tom nodded and was handed three ping pong balls. If he landed one in the bowl, he would win a goldfish. He missed his first. The second didn't go in either. He threw his last ball−and to his amazement−it went in!

Congratulations, son! You won yourself a pet!" Tom picked out a goldfish and brought her home. He named her Goldie. But after a few days, he forgot to feed her. Goldie soon died.

Pets are for Life
Giving any animal as a prize is a bad idea. "Every type of pet−cat, dog, fish, or bird−requires special care and attention," says Kelly Connolly, issues specialist at The Humane Society of the United States. "The person who wins a pet at an auction or fair may not understand this. He or she may not be ready for the responsibility of caring for a pet."

"Adding any pet to a family is a lifelong commitment. It shouldn't be done without a lot of thought and planning," Connolly continues. "People must be willing to take care of a pet for the animal's entire life. For some animals that could mean 10 years or more."

Before bringing home a pet you should answer these questions:

• Do you have time for a pet?

• Can you afford a pet?

• Is it a good time for you and your family to adopt a pet?

• Have you discussed getting a pet with other members of your family?

• Are your living arrangements suitable for the animals you have in mind?

• Are you prepared to keep and care for a pet for his or her entire life?

So, what happens when people win pets at a fair or fund-raiser? Sadly, some animals are already sick when given away. Others may not receive proper care and become ill or injured, or like Goldie, even die. Some may end up homeless at an animal shelter or simply abandoned.

Not-so-Fun Fund-raising
Unfortunately, an increasing number of schools, clubs, and fairs are offering pets as prizes in charity auctions and raffles. While they may be raising money for a good cause, they're putting animals at risk. They're offering animals to people who may not have the time, money, or desire to care for a pet. In some areas, it may even be illegal. A number of U.S. cities have passed laws against giving away live animals as prizes.

Here's How You Can Help:

• If you see or hear advertisements for events that give pets as prizes, speak up! Tell event organizers that giving an animal a home is an important decision−not just a came of chance. Explain that there are more humane ways to raise money. You might suggest that they offer gift certificates for pet supplies, grooming, obedience classes, or veterinary care instead.

• Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper. Explain why animals should not be given away as prizes.

• Talk to your family and friends about what can happen to a live animal being raffled off by a charity. Ask them not to attend events that use animals as prizes.

• Be a good role model. If you see a game where animals are the prize, don't join in! To learn more, visit humanesociety.org.

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