Ms Coombes said: “We are not superior to animals, we are lucky to have them in our lives and we must treat them with the kindness and respect they deserve.

“We must put an end to animal cruelty.”

The only dissenting voice in the debate came from fellow Conservative Weymouth councilor Louie O’Leary, who said he was opposed to legislating against personal choice, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

“We need to move away from this belief that the state, or the council, or a quango, can dictate or enforce morality, public decency, or even common sense.

“If you are given a goldfish at a fair or a departmental exhibition, you have the choice to accept it or not. If you do not want to, you do not have to do it,” said he declared.

“We all have individual responsibility and choice.”