PETA AU Global 2019 Issue 11

If YouWouldn’t • T r y t o R e l a t e t o W h o ’ s o n Y o u r P l a t e • T r y t o R e l a t e t o W h o ’ s o n Y o u r P l a t e Do This to a Dog, Why Do It to a Fish? Dogfish ad: © Montage: LandB.co.uk

The Most Abused Animal on the Planet? PETA’s motto – “Animals are not ours to experiment on, eat, wear, use for entertainment, or abuse in any other way” – could very well be just about fish, for they are used and abused in all these ways and more. They’re genetically manipulated by experimenters to develop cancerous tumors and poisoned to death with harmful chemicals in archaic toxicity tests. Humans kill them by the trillions for the dinner table and to feed to companion dogs and cats. Designers use their skins for bags and belts. “Sport” fishers pierce them through the lip for “fun” and mount their bodies on the wall as trophies. Gelatin from fish swim bladders (called isinglass) is used to filter beer and wine, and fish oil is falsely marketed as a cure-all. Every Fish Is Someone Did you know that fish are every bit as complex as the dogs and cats who occupy our hearts and homes? They form emotional attachments and become depressed when they lose their mates. They have excellent long term memories, are savvy social learners, use tools, and play. They’ve been observed riding bubble streams just for fun, rearranging the plants and plastic decorations in their boring aquariums, and even playing ball. Fish live in complex social groups, learn from other fish, and develop cultural traditions. They can count, tell time, think ahead, and “talk” to one another underwater. Catfish warn each other about predators by making squeaking sounds (which we humans can hear only with special equipment). Pearlfish go a step further and use oyster shells as speakers to help amplify the volume of their communications.

Time for a Sea Change The PETA International Science Consortium is working hard to replace the use of fish

Fish ad image: © Gvision | Dreamstime.com • Billboard: © iStock.com/ghornephoto • Bus stop: © iStock.com/Istvan Balogh

in experiments – by pushing researchers to switch to sophisticated computer models, for example, and in vitro (test tube) screening methods. PETA and its international affiliates create eye-catching ads and hold colorful protests against fishing (try googling “Keep Hookers off the Pier!”), as well as urging everyone to choose faux fish filets, cucumber or avocado sushi, mock tuna salad, and other fish-friendly foods. Find fish-free recipes at PETA.org.au/Recipes , and visit PETA.org/Fish to see all the ways PETA is fighting for fish and to learn how you can help.

A few years ago in Cairns, Australia, two dogs had to undergo emergency surgery after someone tossed meat embedded with fishhooks into their yard. The veterinarian had to remove 18 hooks from their stomachs and intestines. Their guardian had been at the hospital with his wife, who had just given birth to their first child. But his joyous day turned nightmarish after he got home. “I just can’t believe someone can torture animals like that,” he said. Of course, PETA agrees. But let’s ask ourselves this: If tricking dogs into swallowing sharp hooks is morally reprehensible – and it is – how can it be considered acceptable to do exactly the same thing to fish? After all, dogs and fish are both sentient beings. They both feel pain and fear and value their lives.

PETA and its international affiliates create eye-catching ads and hold colorful protests against fishing.

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LOOK, DON’T HOOK