Cruel Prank Prompts Arizona High School to Implement Policy

April 2004

PETA received calls of concern from parents, students, and community members in Gilbert, Arizona, following a “Spirit Week” event at Mesquite High School during which several students participated in a goldfish-swallowing contest. We immediately contacted the school’s administrative officials to remind them that such sophomoric and cruel pranks have no place in an educational institution and that students should be taught respect and compassion for animals. The principal of the high school responded by agreeing with our concerns about the event and stated, “It should not have been allowed and steps are in place to have no such reoccurrence–ever!”