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.
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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.