The landmark case in Poland may have repercussions for the fish industry there, where carp is usually bought alive and kept alive until Christmas dinner.

The case was brought by an animal rights activist in 2010 who said the live fish were being thrown around “like potatoes”.

Although the court ruling does not outright ban the sale of live fish, the convictions of three fishmongers may hasten the end of the practice, The Times reports.

The three were given suspended jail terms and ordered to pay around £200 to animal rights groups.