Updated Jun 10, 2009 - 1:01 pm
PETA targets Seattle tradition: Pike Place fish throwers
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KIRO Radio
PETA has taken a stand against one of the most popular tourist attractions in Seattle - the fish market at the Pike Place Market that tosses salmon.
PETA spokesman David Shirk says you would never see a mammal being tossed around, so why is it ok for a fish? "The fact that it's ok to do it with fish is kind of inconsistent." he said.
PETA heard that the American Veterinary Medical Association planned a Pike Place Fish Market demonstration at next month's convention at the convention center.
PETA sent a letter to the association saying people who care about animals are appalled fish would be treated as toys. PETA believes veterinarians should show compassion.
"We're asking them to not engage in this pretty absurd fish toss," Shirk said, "and if they are bent on still doing it, PETA has offered to buy rubber fish for them to use instead."
On the Dave Ross show Ron DeHaven, Vice President of the American Veterinary Medical Association, said they are looking at their options when it comes to the traditional fish throwing portion of the convention. DeHaven said that they may use artificial fish as PETA has suggested, although no decision has yet been made.
"I think we (veterinarians), as a profession, need to be sensitive. We don't want to be disrespectful to any animals." DeHaven said.
But he also acknowledged the perils of giving into PETA's demands, "I suspect if we were to go to rubber fish that we would be criticized by many of our members for catering to this, what some would consider, unrealistic pressure from PETA."
An assistant manager at the Pike Place Fish Market, Justin Hall, says workers there respect fish because it's their livelihood and they take pride in having the best seafood.
Taho Kakutani has been tossing fish for four years, he says potential customers get into the tossing and the shouting, so they're sticking with it, but he added "I have nothing against PETA... really they're in support of life and really how can you, ultimately, disagree with them."
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