Did you know that fish pedicures are still legal in the UK, even though the practice has been banned in many parts of Canada, Europe, and the US? Fish pedicures are not only dangerous for your health but also cruel to animals. Here are 10 reasons why you should avoid fish pedicures, whether at home or on holiday.

Fish Pedicures: Everything You Need to Know

1. Fish Die During Transportation

Garra rufa fish, also known as red garra or doctor fish, are the most commonly used species for fish pedicures. They are not native to the UK and are often shipped from Indonesia or other countries in Asia in water-filled plastic bags that are full of fish waste. This harrowing journey is extremely stressful for the fish, and many don’t survive the trip.

2. Tens of Thousands of Fish Suffer Each Week

According to the Fish Health Inspectorate of the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 Garra rufa are imported into the UK through London’s Heathrow Airport each week. This amounts to around 1 million sensitive individuals per year.

3. Fish Are Severely Starved

Garra rufa – used for fish pedicures – don’t naturally want to eat your dead skin. They only do it because they’re so severely starved they resort to eating human skin for sustenance. That sentient beings are denied food just to make a profit demonstrates how sinister the industry is.

4. Fish Deserve Better

Fish are sensitive individuals, not pedicure tools. In their river homes, they are known to be playful, curious, and social. Just like humans, Garra rufa form strong friendships, create tight-knit groups, and swim together. They don’t deserve to be kidnapped from their homes, transported for hours in their own waste, and forced to live in dirty tubs.

5. It’s Not Hygienic

Pedicure tubs full of fish can’t be sufficiently disinfected between customers, and there’s no way of sanitising the animals themselves. Sufferers of contagious conditions such as nail fungus or athlete’s foot often seek out fish pedicures and may have used this cruel service before you. Do you really want to soak your feet in water that’s full of their germs?

6. Fish Pedicure Tubs Are Full of Fish Poo

Fish live and defecate in the tanks. Does stepping into these disgustingly dirty tubs sound like fun?

7. You Risk Infection

Fish pedicure tubs are a fertile breeding ground for bacteria. Even tiny cuts or sores can become infected when immersed in them.

8. You Can Catch Pneumonia

Garra rufa have been found to carry strains of several infectious bacteria and zoonotic pathogens, including Streptococcus agalactiae – which can cause pneumonia – and others that are resistant to antibiotics.

9. You Risk Losing Your Nails – or Even Your Toes

A young woman reportedly lost all the toes on one of her feet to a bone disease after having a fish pedicure in Thailand.

10. It’s a Bad Pedicure

If you want an exfoliating pedicure, you need a pumice stone, not a sentient being. Fish aren’t nail technicians. They don’t know what areas you would prefer for them to focus on. People who’ve tried these pedicures have reported bumpy, uneven skin and areas bitten deep enough to draw blood.

Want to Get Pampered Without Hurting Animals?

• Never go to spas that exploit fish or provide services that use any animal.
• If you want to pamper your feet, get a safe, healthy, cruelty-free pedicure from a willing human technician, or treat yourself to one at home.
• Only choose vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics. Use the PETA US global database to check your favourite brands.
• Share this blog with your friends, and urge them to avoid fish pedicures in the UK and abroad.

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While You’re Here

Millions of animals are exploited every year in the beauty industry. Take these quick actions to help stop this:

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