Fish Are Among the Most Abused Animals on the Planet. Here’s How You Can Help Them.

Fish are among the most abused animals on the planet, and while many people say fish don’t feel pain, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Though the scientific community has been slow to accept that fish feel pain, the vast majority of biologists and veterinarians now agree they do. In fact, fish are similar to dogs, cats, and other animals in their experience of pain and pleasure.

Sadly, fish aren’t granted any protections from cruelty. There is not a single law that protects fish in the United States, whether they’re raised as pets, research subjects, or food.

What’s more, fish raised and killed for food are put through hell. Fish factory farms are filthy and overcrowded, making them perfect breeding grounds for parasites. In 2016 an outbreak of sea lice stretched from Scandinavia to Chile. Nearly half of Scotland’s salmon farms became infested with the parasite, which feeds on blood, skin, and slime.

Fish farming is not only disgusting and dangerous but incredibly cruel. According to a study in the Journal of Experimental Biology, salmon bred and raised at fish factory farms grow at such an accelerated rate that more than half of them go partially deaf. Another study has found that many farmed salmon suffer from severe depression. Known as “drop outs, depressed salmon float lifelessly.

In 2011 Mercy For Animals conducted an undercover investigation at a fish slaughter facility and exposed fish being skinned alive. They thrashed and fought to escape the workers’ knives. As the fish gasped for oxygen, workers ripped off their skin with pliers.

Sounds horrifying, right? See for yourself.


Upset? Fortunately, there’s something you can do about it!

1. Eat more plants.

The best thing we can do to remove our support from the cruel fishing industry is to leave fish off our plates in favor of plant-based foods. Order your FREE Vegetarian Starter Guide to learn more. And check out these cruelty-free, sea-inspired recipes.




2. Share undercover videos and images on social media.

Most people have no idea how terribly fish are treated or don’t understand that they’re sentient beings. By sharing undercover videos or this image on social media you can educate friends and family.

3. Visit our Action Center.

From tips on leafleting to literature available for order, our Action Center is loaded with resources to help get your fight for fish started.

4. Donate.

Making a donation to Mercy For Animals is certainly a great way to help fish.

5. Urge restaurants to offer plant-based alternatives.

Cut out these printable tent cards and carry them with you in your wallet, purse, or backpack. Leave a card at restaurants that offer fish options and plant a seed for change.

Don’t feel overwhelmed—take action. Fish need you to be their voice. Click here to learn more about a healthy and compassionate vegan lifestyle.