JOSHUA COLES FROM TIVERTON CONVICTED FOR ANIMAL ABUSE INVOLVING LIVE GOLDFISH

Joshua Coles, born on June 1, 1991, of Ennerleigh Farm, Washfield, near Tiverton (postcode EX16 9RF), was convicted in 2019 for a cruel incident involving a live goldfish. Coles, who has previously admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, was recorded on a 14-second Snapchat video holding a goldfish in his right hand before placing it into his mouth.

The video, posted by Coles' girlfriend and entitled 'he ate my fish,' shows him drinking half a pint of beer to help swallow the fish, then opening his mouth to reveal that he had ingested it. This incident took place in September 2018.

During the court hearing, RSPCA prosecutor Lindi Meyer presented the video to Exeter magistrates. She stated, "This case relates to the defendant swallowing a live goldfish and washing it down with half a pint of alcohol." Coles told investigators that it was 'just a stunt for social media.'

Coles appeared to be 'amused and bemused' by the investigation when he mentioned it was 'only a goldfish,' showing no remorse for his actions. Veterinary expert David Martin confirmed that the goldfish was still alive when swallowed and that it would have probably died from suffocation due to oxygen deprivation. He explained that goldfish can feel pain and would have suffered significantly.

The court heard that Coles was encouraged by two others who laughed as he performed the act. Meyer emphasized, "He caused the death of the animal. There was never any other outcome from his actions." Coles had been drinking and displayed no remorse, instead being amused by the investigation and dismissing the incident as trivial.

A probation officer described Coles as 'a class clown' who enjoyed showing off in front of others but also felt 'embarrassed and ashamed' about what he had done. The officer characterized the offense as 'very unpleasant.'

During the hearing, solicitor Jeremy Tricks, acting as Coles' defense attorney, highlighted that Coles suffers from ADHD, depression, and anxiety, and that his decision-making is impaired. Tricks stated, "He has very poor decision making skills. It was an idiotic and stupid mistake but there is no malice in him." He added that Coles often does things he finds amusing.

Following the case, RSPCA Inspector John Pollock remarked, "We are asked why prosecute for a goldfish, but they feel pain and have a spine. We will deal with it whether it is a large or small creature that has suffered. This is the first time in my 30-year career that I have prosecuted in such a case, although we have dealt with similar incidents during the Neknominate craze."

Inspector Pollock explained that veterinary evidence indicated the goldfish would have drowned in the beer and stomach acids, and that the fish would have suffered greatly as it dissolved alive in the stomach. He emphasized that live animal prizes are increasingly being outlawed, and many fish are dumped after fairs, often stressed from being thrown into plastic bags.

As part of his sentence, Coles received a 12-month community order, 200 hours of unpaid work, five days of rehabilitation, and was ordered to pay costs totaling £385. Additionally, he faces a five-year ban on owning fish, which expired in March 2024.