Twenty tropical fish die after tank is dumped on doorstep in Northampton

The RSPCA was called to rescue 10 tropical fish in a tank, which had been dumped on a Northampton doorstep.

The tank, which was found abandoned behind a Northampton Sikh temple, contained at least 30 fish, but sadly the majority of them had already died when they were found.

The water level in the tank was low and the tank was not plugged in, or protected from the sun.

They were all guppies, a tropical fish also known as rainbow fish, and were left with some fish food and a note which read: “Live fish inside.”

A member of the public spotted the tank on Tuesday (22 September) in Cromwell Street and contacted the RSPCA for help. Inspector Callum Isitt attended and collected the remaining live fish for care.

He said: “The large number of fish were abandoned in their tank down a street in Northampton. We don’t know how long they had been there but the note stated that there were live fish inside and sadly on collection around 20 of the fish had already died.

“We would urge people who are struggling to cope with their pets not to abandon them like this but instead to reach out for help from friends and family, or charities like ourselves. It was very sad that we could only save 10 fish and sadly this is what can happen when pets are dumped like this.”

Fish are often seen as an easy or cheap pet to have but they actually have very complex needs and are far from simple to look after.

They can't show their feelings as clearly as mammals do and meeting their complex biological, environmental and behavioural needs takes a great deal of preparation, investment, time and care.

The RSPCA would urge anyone considering getting pet fish to consider whether they have the time and money to care for them properly.

The RSPCA is appealing for information to find out how these fish came to be abandoned. If you have any information, please contact the inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

If no owner is found then the remaining fish will be rehomed.