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Fishing
Introduction
Contrary to popular belief, fish do feel pain – it’s a proven fact. Scientists have known for a long time that fish have well developed pain receptors and that the nervous system of fish is in fact very similar to ours. In addition to feeling pain, fish are intelligent too! Research conducted at the Oxford University found that fish can complete some mental tasks that were too complex for dogs. Despite this evidence, they are denied even basic protection from cruelty.
Recreational fishing
Imagine having a hook rammed through the side of your mouth, then being hauled out of your home and left in an environment that causes you to suffocate. Sounds horrible doesn't it? This is what fish endure in the name of fishing.
Recreational fishing (which is often called sport) is no fun for the fish. This so called ‘sport’ which is nothing more than animal cruelty subjects small and defenceless animals to excruciating pain, prolonged suffering and death.
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Anglers deliberately lure fish into wounding themselves on sharp metal hooks, and then drag them out of the water where they are left to die of suffocation. For those who don’t suffocate to death, they are often cut up and scaled while completely conscious. If dogs or cats were treated in this way, the offending person would be charged with animal cruelty.
Recreational fishing is also responsible for the deaths of other animals including birds and turtles which frequently become hooked and entangled in discarded fishing hooks and lines.
Trawling
Every year, billions of fish are emptied out of the world’s waterways by the fishing industry. Trawling is one of the main methods used to catch fish. Trawling involves the use of large nets which are dragged through the ocean. This destructive practice doesn’t only catch fish; it catches everything in its path including dolphins, sharks, turtles, sea snakes and other marine animals while causing irreparable damage to fragile coral reefs.
Once the nets are full, thousands of terrified fish and other marine animals (many of which have been crushed alive under the extreme weight of other captured fish) are hauled from the ocean depths and dropped onto the boat where they are left to suffocate. Fish often suffer from painful decompression, which can cause their eyes to pop out and rupture their swim bladders. Many fish are still conscious when their stomachs are hacked open.
Fish Farms
Fish farms are the aquatic equivalent to factory farms. Fish are crammed into manmade tanks by the thousands. Overcrowding leaves fish susceptible to diseases and parasitic outbreaks which are brought on by stress and poor water quality. To combat disease, fish farmers use cocktails of strong antibiotics and other chemicals to keep the fish alive. At the end, any fish that managed to survive these horrendous living conditions are killed and their bacteria laden flesh is sold for human consumption.
Act now
- Say goodbye to fishing and instead take up bush walking, 4WDing or any other fun activity that doesn't involve harming animals.
- Go vegan! By going vegan you can help save lives and reduce your risk of disease. For cruelty free recipes, please visit our vegan food resource.
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