MSE Advises Give Pet as Cheap Christmas Present

tiz

I can't believe that people still think it's okay to give a pet as a gift. I read the festive-fivers article from the latest newsletters and one of the cheap gifts - a live goldfish.

Seriously!

Two minutes on google and you can find out that a goldfish can live 25 years, grow 6" and isn't suitable for keeping in a bowl (as also suggested by MSE).

In fact the £3 goldfish that the kind family friend turns up with at Christmas will need a 2' tank, a filter, fish food, lights and specially prepared water. You'll easily need to spend £50-100 on accessories necessary to keep it alive.

Presuming you manage to keep it alive that person has just committed you to a lifetime of upkeep, tank upgrades etc. Or does it not matter because it's just a fish? That's a great attitude MSE because it's only one step up to giving a puppy.

I tried to contact you privately by email via the complaints link, to raise the issue but I got an automatic email pointing me at the FAQ. I'm posting it here in the hope someone will read it and point out to someone up top that if their advise is going to stray from money to animals to get some input from one of the hundreds of organisations that will be happy to give them good information to pass on i.e don't give pets as presents.

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

Please tell me this is a wind up.


If not, I think it qualifies as the most STUPID suggestion to save money of all time, which, considering I've seen Superscrimpers, is no mean feat.

BritAbroad

Bump.

I've made a complaint, hope everyone else will too.

tiz

Not a wind up

Here's the exact text:

A goldfish For kids desperate for their first pet Buy/make: Buy it. Cost: approx £3-4
Fish make great first pets for children and certainly take less looking after than a puppy. You can pick up a goldfish for around £3, though a bowl, food and any accessories will cost a little more.

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/shopping/festive-fivers#topkids

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

Complained via Twitter so more people see what a stupid idea it is. At least no animals were harmed in the production of cereal packet necklaces and painted hair grip earrings on channel 4.

krlyr

I have to totally agree with you. If it makes any difference, the suggestions were by MSE members. I was disappointed that MSE included it though and mentioned it on the Festive Fivers thread, don't know if any official MSE 'staff' saw it but it wasn't commented on
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4241191

Froglet

I am FURIOUS now.This used to be my favourite site.How absolutely stupid.

I spend so much time and effort trying to educate people about goldfish and their needs,they are far more delicate and expensive to keep properly than many realise.And a BOWL? UGH i hate those things.Complaint gone in pronto!!

REMOVE IT ASAP!!

hethmar

Even worse, I went to a wedding a few years back and on each table there was a bowl with a goldfish in as a present for people to take home How bloody stupid can you get. I have to say I havent seen the family involved since as I was a bit vocal about it.