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Guess What? Fish Are Not Swimming Vegetables

Written by PETA

Posted 06-25-2007

26 Comments

I don’t know about you, but I always get a little bristly when my “almost” vegetarian friends tell me that they “only eat fish.” Of course, I totally believe that nobody is perfect, myself included, and that every small step people take to help animals is important. I just don’t understand how fish got so removed from the compassion radar that some people actually call themselves vegetarians while scarfing down tuna melts?

Richard Seaman/Creative Commons
They may not be as cute and cuddly as dogs and cats, but they feel pain and value their lives just as much.

Anyway, my point here is that everything I read about fish intelligence and sentience just blows me away. And this story from the UK put a smile on my face. It’s just kind of nice to see the plight of our piscine friends finally being taken seriously . . .

Toniluca/Creative Commons

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Tags:

vegetarian, fur, dog, ban, bulls, john, lennon, maher, fish intelligence

Recent Comments

eric commented:

4-15-2010 2:35 AM

sometimes i let my mind wander off and imagine how it would feel to watch a wild dog eat my amputated arm.
Rose commented:

9-24-2008 4:39 PM

Hey there I've been reading about the fish and feel I need some help. I don't know why I eat them sometimes. I feel worse having milk or eggs sometimes even. I guess I try to rationalize it. It is bad I know.
Me again commented:

8-15-2007 2:55 AM

How do we know about the wonderful cognitive capacities of fish? Animal research. Animal rights activists don't seem to make distinctions here either anyone who is not vegan is evil just like anyone who does animal research. It doesn't matter if it is noninvasive behavioral and designed to improve welfare. All is "animal research". As a vegetarian not vegan an animal lover and a person who does behavioral work with animals already in zoos I was very upset to recently find my research the target of animal rights activists. Why? Because my work involves keeping wild birds with minor but permanent injuries captive when some people think they should be killed instead. Absurd! This extremism makes enemies of reasonable people. In addition I was very sympathetic to the medical researchers whose children were threatened in the name of "preventing cruelty". Terrorism is not an appropriate tactic in a democratic society. My posts don't seem to make it past the censorI dare you to post this one.
josh commented:

7-6-2007 5:43 PM

yall makin me hungary
Mel commented:

6-30-2007 10:46 PM

Not a fish post but a general observation and reply to Jonesy. I would suggest an online university nutrition course once you become vegan. I did one and I am so glad! I was assured that I was not slowly killing my family through lack of proteinB12 etc. etc. If you go to a traditional nutritionist they could still try to tell you that you need animal products... When my GP tried to tell me that I needed to eat yogurt for sufficient calcium I just smiled and reminded myself that my one nutrition course was probably one more than she had taken at university. One last point...my dictionary defines vegetarians as "one who only eats vegetables". Enough said.
A commented:

6-28-2007 2:34 PM

Other side Pescetarian. Pescopollo pescevegetarians................. so many titles and so little time. What came first the chicken or the egg? If you eat eggs....lactoovo vegetarian most popular in western world I say that being nice because I told someone I would be kind seriously though..chicken or egg? Did you know Darwin was a vegetarian? Bit o random info for ya. Ohhhh its hard but i promised..why couldn't I have read this one b4 Ana's asking to be nice..rrrr
Otherside commented:

6-27-2007 7:02 AM

Vegns eat veg... piscatorians eat fish see "pisces" the fish starsign if you don't understand it's like calling yourself dave if your name is bob! PERSONALLY I believe eating fish is WORSE than eating mammals because fish generally have no laws governing their wellbeing they die SUFFOCATING or being CRUSHED under the weight of their fellows. Unless you catch the fish yourself and ensure that you kill it quickly I can't believe you understand. I went fishing in my youth and it put me off. I was forced to eat fish when I wanted to be vegetarian by people who didn't understand you can be perfectly healthy without it. Now I am vegan! So there ARE steps.. but I think those that might "feel guilty" or those that might "feel superior" are here on PETA's website trying to do the same thing work towards a sustainable future where no animals will die for the sake of taste fashion or sport. Now all you vegetarians... ARE EGGS VEG? just a thought
Ana commented:

6-26-2007 5:32 PM

Liz Thank you for your post. Exactly my thoughts. And I also am sick of those questions. I applaud your whole post it makes complete sense and is right on target.
maddy commented:

6-26-2007 2:46 PM

My words exactly oldrnwiser. "There must be more reasonable people somewhere who respect beginners."
Maya commented:

6-26-2007 2:34 PM

Oldnwisr you're absolutely right that there are snobs who post here but I hope that does not discourage you. You should know that in PETA's FAQs they make it very clear that they have no problem with tribal groups eating meat. PETA is just horrified with the way that farm animals are treated and the cruel way that fish are killed and the ocean polluted etc. Of course they care about individual animals too but they are actually very understanding people. I have dealt with them through emails and they are very kindhearted. Please be careful when switching to a vegan or vegetarian diet. Consult a nutritionist or doctor so you don't get sick. We want the good folks like yourself to stick around a long time!

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