Fishy feet

[ToadRage]

Are these things still around? Several years back these fish pedicures popped up in several towns but i haven't seen one for ages. I used to go weekly as a pick-me-up after visiting my Dad at Bristol Royal Infirmary. I convinced a friend to do one with me in Tonbridge Wells and even My MiL said she'd tried one. I wasn't worried about infections, they ones i went to had hi-tech filtration systems for the water and visually checked everyones feet before they went in, if they had visible issues they would not be allowed to use it. Have you ever tried one, would you consider it, if not why wouldn't you?

They starve the fish, so no I wouldn't do it

They used to have one in one of the shopping centres in Nottingham it was always heaving! Bit of a novelty at the time but I never fancied it myself!!

Oh that’s cruel

Thats a myth. I was often the only one in the Bristol one so would have chats with the staff and they said that there was some unreputable places that did starve the fish but they were shut down quickly most places the fish were well cared for.

it was very much a fad wasn't it.I went a few times .I suppose it was a bit of a faff and expense and the interest waned off. Looking after fish is not nearly as straightfowrard as you'd think .

I thought it was banned due to hygiene reasons. I didn't fancy it then and woukdn't now. It's minging for want of a better word.

Its not a myth. They would hardly tell you if they were sratving them!

Foot skin is not a natural diet for the fish anyway

from google

Fish pedicures largely disappeared from UK high streets due to a combination of severe hygiene warnings, public health investigations, and animal welfare concerns, as outlined by PETA. 1, 2]

Health and Hygiene Concerns

• Inability to Clean the Fish: While water and tanks can be disinfected between clients, the Garra rufa fish themselves cannot be sanitized or replaced for every customer. 1, 2]
• Bacterial Risks: Health authorities, including the former Health Protection Agency, warned that the tubs can become breeding grounds for bacteria and pathogens, risking infection for people with small cuts, diabetes, or weakened immune systems. 1, 2]
• Official Guidance: The UK government published strict Guidance on the management of the public health risks from fish pedicures for salons, making compliance difficult and costly

Animal Welfare Issues

• Starvation Tactics: Animal welfare groups pointed out that the fish do not naturally feed on human dead skin and must be severely starved to perform the treatment. 1, 2]
• Stress and Mortality: Transporting thousands of fish into the UK led to high mortality rates, and poor tank conditions raised concerns under the Animal Welfare Act.

(possibly some truth in the starvartion thing though it doesnt mean everyone was complicit)

I’m sure I read that it was deemed cruel and is no longer allowed in the UK

Every single aspect of it makes me want to heave.

I am a hobby fish keeper, and it's cruel.

Red Garra - Garra Rufa Fish Profile & Care Guide (aquadiction.world)

They are tropical fish that need a large oxygenated tank. Well filtered, to try to simulate their natural environment of sandy bottomed swift flowing streams. Features to hide behind and congregate around Not a plastic basin.

And that is before we even get to the starvation bit.

Unfortunately not banned but very rare, I just had a google . It should definitely be banned IMO