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PETA Protests Seattle Fish-Flinging

Fishmongers nonplussed by PETA effort to defend the dignity of dead fish

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 13, 2009 5:21 AM CDT

(Newser) – PETA has called foul on the antics of Seattle's famous fishmongers, the Los Angeles Times reports. Workers at the city's Pike Place market routinely chuck fish more than a dozen feet from display case to counter over the heads of shoppers with deadly accuracy. PETA says the practice is "celebrating cruelty" and is protesting plans for fishmongers’ demonstration at an upcoming veterinarians' conference.

It sends a "terrible message" when "vets call it fun to toss around the corpses of animals,” one PETA campaigner said. The vets plan to go ahead with the show, and the fishmongers are largely bewildered by PETA's carping. "I mean, the fish are dead," said a manager who arranges flying fish exhibitions. "We're not laughing and making fun of them. It's just Point A to Point B. That's why we do it."

[Images (2)]

[Quotes (2)]

A contestant throws a fish in a salmon-tossing contest at Seattle's Pike Place market. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)

Salmon on display at Pike Place market. (©adactio)

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I wouldn't want to see a fish gasping for air coming flying through the air. But one that's already on the way to the table, why not?
- A visitor to Pike Place Market

Killing animals so you can toss their bodies around for amusement is just twisted. - Ashley Byrne, senior PETA campaigner

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PETA Protests Seattle Fish-Flinging