Originally published Thursday, June 11, 2009 at 4:16 PM
Comments (36)
E-mail article
Print view
Share
Editorial
PETA's fish-toss fit is so silly, there's got to be a catch
The folks at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals have got to be kidding. They are challenging the use of fish at a presentation by fish-throwers from Pike Place Fish Market at a veterinarians' convention next month. How silly.
FOR many years, tourists visiting Seattle have gotten a thrill out of the fun-loving fishmongers at Pike Place Fish who stir up crowds with a skilled toss of a slippery fish across the counter.
Along comes People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals with a challenge so ridiculous it sounds made up. Animal-rights activists cross the line of incredulity with a challenge of the use of fish in a presentation by the fishmongers at the American Veterinary Medical Association convention next month in Seattle.
PETA need not stick its nose into a harmless Pacific Northwest tradition. Fish have some kind of feelings when living. But fish used in the famous fish toss are not nursing a wound or evaluating their sense of self worth. They are dead.
The next best thing that can happen to a salmon is to be topped with lemon and butter, barbecued and then eaten.
The animal-rights group gets points for a publicity stunt. The organization wrote a letter to the veterinarians saying, "You should know that people who care about animals are appalled that a veterinary organization, whose purpose is to represent the interests of those whose jobs involve protecting the well-being of animals would promote an event in which animals are treated so disrespectfully and are handled as if they were toys."
Oh, please.
Justin Hall at Pike Place Fish took it calmly and in stride. He says the animal-rights group is only doing its job. Fishmongers were asked to do a presentation at the convention of 4,000 veterinarians on the value of teamwork on the job. They may opt to use rubber fish instead.
Don't bother. Do the presentation as is — with all its slimy charm. Let this hissy fit about absolutely nothing run out of steam.
Copyright © 2009 The Seattle Times Company
NEW - 04:23 PM
Lawmakers freeze bonuses and salary increases
NEW - 04:23 PM
Congress should say no to Comcast/NBC merger
Lake Tapps, for cities, fish and recreation
Gates Foundation makes bold investment in childhood vaccines
First United Methodist Church opens the doors to its new home

shopping
events for Wednesday, Feb. 10
- Night of Wine Tasting and Film at Whole Foods
- February Specials at Mimisan
- Trunk Show and Benefit at Vian Hunter
- Share Beauty and Hope at Julep
editors' picks
- Vintage, consignment and used clothing
- Local jewelry designers
- Independent video stores
- Spas & beauty salons
- Alaska Air dropping Jones Soda beverages, going back to Coca-Cola
- Man found shot dead in pickup truck in Seattle
- Seattle is first U.S. stop for Picasso exhibit
- Husky Football Blog | Pac-10 expansion to get consideration over next year
- State Senate votes to clear way for tax increases
- Idol Confessions | "American Idol" hopeful from Seattle didn't make it to Hollywood afterall
- Belltown boulevard could be completed by early next year
- Nicole Brodeur | Chrisceda Clemmons' house wasn't the only casualty
- Brier Dudley's Blog | Google rolls its own Facebook & Twitter with Gmail "Buzz"
- Sex, drug rumors swirl about N.Y. Gov. Paterson
- Republicans may be no-shows at health-plan summit
278 - State Senate votes to clear way for tax increases
250 - Pac-10 expansion to get consideration over next year
249 - Lee undergoes foot surgery
231 - Obama: GOP and Dems together can spur job growth
210 - Fort Lewis soldier charged with abusing 4-year-old, holding her head in water
193 - Rivals names Martin one of Pac-10's best recruiters
143 - Belltown boulevard could be completed by early next year
128 - Bus-tunnel attack while guards watched prompts review of Metro security
122 - White House mocks Sarah Palin from podium
92
- Seattle is first U.S. stop for Picasso exhibit
- Belltown boulevard could be completed by early next year
- 747-8 soars smoothly on first outing
- Wine Adviser | Oregon's quality pinots join the bargain ranks
- Alaska Air dropping Jones Soda beverages, going back to Coca-Cola
- Snap out of your photo funk: How to make sense of all those piles of images
- How clean are those pre-washed salad greens?
- Answers to biggest Olympic TV questions
- Rick Steves' Europe | What's new in Rome and Venice for 2010
- Brier Dudley's Blog | Google rolls its own Facebook & Twitter with Gmail "Buzz"





