PETA activists protest outside Asian Fisheries Forum venue

Kochi, Nov 20 (UNI) Members of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) today protested outside the venue of the eighth Asian Fisheries Forum here.

The PETA members also distributed leaflets to passers-by, giving details of how fish were cruelly dragged from the ocean depths.

''As no laws or regulations adequately regulate the treatment of fish, both commercial fishers and fish farmers treat fish in a cruel manner. Dragged from the bottom of the ocean, fish undergo excruciating decompression. The intense internal pressure often ruptures their swim-bladders, pops out their eyes and pushes their stomachs through their mouths. They are then tossed on to ship decks, where many slowly suffocate or are crushed to death. Others were still alive when their throats and bellies were cut open,'' PETA's campaign coordinator Nikunj Sharma said.

Claiming that eating fish was dangerous for health, the PETA activist said that like flesh of other animals, fish flesh contained excessive amounts of protein, fat and cholesterol.

''The best thing you can do for fish, Mother Earth and your own well-being is to go vegetarian,'' Mr Sharma added.

The four-day Asian Fisheries Forum, being attended by delegates from Australia, India, Malaysia, Thailand and other Asian countries, got underway here today.

UNI