Žilina was the first Slovak city to ban the sale of live fish on its land. (source: František Iván)
The decision by the Žilina City Council to prohibit the sale of live carp on the territory of the town has stirred up confusion and dissatisfaction among the residents of Žilina, and made Žilina the first Slovak city to introduce this ban.
The decision took effect at the start of November based on a binding regulation, writes The Slovak Spectator's sister publication My Žilina.
Despite the city's decision, live fish can be purchased in and around Žilina before Christmas at various locations, as vendors will offer them on their own or leased land. Fish breeders have pointed out that the city's representatives did not discuss the matter with them beforehand.
At the same time, the Fish Breeders Association of Slovakia is working on a campaign that should present the places where people could buy fresh fish in Žilina all year round. It adds that the city's ban is just a "gesture" that will not affect the sales and consumption of fish in Slovakia.
Live fish has not been sold much on the plots owned by Žilina in recent years.
Food chains cease live carp sales
Large retail chains have also stopped offering live fish.
"These are chains that currently cover 95 percent of the retail food market. Tesco, Billa, Kaufland, Lidl, among others," says Martin Smrek, chair of the organisation Humánny Pokrok.
After Žilina, the organisation plans to approach other municipalities.
The sale of live fish aligns with the law on veterinary care. But Humánny Pokrok seeks legislative changes to prevent the cruel treatment of fish and ban their sale at least in temporary fish stands.
A million carps sold
Every live fish seller is controlled by the State Veterinary and Food Administration today.
"We want to sell the fish," said fish breeder Rastislav Káčerik of the Krasnianske Fishponds. "We did not breed them well to get them into a state in which no one wants to buy them."
According to Humánny Pokrok, about a million carps is sold every year.
Žilina's mayor Peter Fiabáne underscores the city's commitment to moral values.
"We acknowledge the need to address animal welfare issues as a message of humanity," the mayor concluded.
