Argentina is Back in Times Square as ‘Fish Have Rights!’ Billboard Spotlights Country’s Court Ruling

For Immediate Release:
July 24, 2026

Contact:
Nicole Perreira 202-483-7382

 After Argentina’s World Cup fans turned Times Square into a sea of blue and white, PETA is bringing another Argentina story back to 1530 Broadway: a display spotlighting this month’s viral court ruling that recognized two fish as sentient beings with legal rights—and a reminder to take that to heart at mealtimes.

The landmark ruling came after the animal rights organization Empty Cages filed a complaint under Argentina’s Law 14.346, which penalizes animal abuse and cruelty. Two fish, named Fede and Magui, had been kept in a glass display case on a street corner outside a Buenos Aires sushi restaurant, exposed to harsh sunlight, street noise, and constant tapping by passersby, which caused them stress and scale loss. The court agreed the setup violated animal abuse laws and ordered their removal, legally recognizing them as sentient “subjects of law.” With the help of an aquatic specialist, Fede and Magui were relocated to a 660-gallon aquarium at the specialist’s private home, where they can now live in peace.

“Fish are thinking, feeling beings who show affection, are resourceful, and have unique personalities—and the Argentina court’s ruling should inspire everyone to see fish for who they really are,” says PETA President Tracy Reiman. “PETA encourages everyone to recognize that fish are just like us in important ways, keep them off our plates, and choose delicious vegan seafood instead.”

PETA points out that fish feel pain as acutely as mammals do—yet they’re impaled, crushed, suffocated, or cut open and gutted, all while conscious. Commercial fishing is one of the biggest threats to marine ecosystems, with fishing gear killing millions of birds, turtles, dolphins, manatees, and whales every year. Because of this increasing awareness, the global market for vegan seafood is projected to reach $1.3 billion within a few years.

Each person who goes vegan spares nearly 200 animals every year. PETA’s free vegan starter kit and guide to the best vegan seafood can help those looking to make the switch.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to eat”—points out that when it comes to the ability to feel pain, hunger, and fear, a fish is a dog is a boy. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.