PETA India urges Hyderabad residents to ‘Go Vegan’ with fish-themed protest
Hyderabad: On Friday, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India urged residents of Hyderabad to consider the suffering of fish on their plates during a public demonstration. A supporter dressed in a realistic fish costume lay between two fish props beneath a banner reading, “Try to Relate to Fish’s Fate. Please Go Vegan.” The protest aimed to raise awareness about the fact that fish, like other animals, are sentient beings that experience pain and fear.
“Every fish who ends up on a plate was an individual who felt pain and fear, just like I and all other animals do,” said Utkarsh Garg, Campaigns Coordinator for PETA India. “We are urging people to spare these sensitive creatures from the agony of being suffocated, impaled, crushed, and cut open simply by choosing vegan meals.”
Scientific studies have shown that fish can feel pain as acutely as mammals, have long-term memories, and can even recognize themselves in a mirror. They also communicate through squeaks and squeals, which humans can only hear with special equipment. More fish are killed for food each year than all other animals combined, often in cruel ways, such as being impaled, crushed, or dropped into boiling water while still alive.
In addition to fish, the fishing industry also kills large numbers of non-target animals each year. These include 720,000 seabirds, 300,000 whales and dolphins, 345,000 seals and sea lions, and 100 million sharks and rays.
PETA India highlights that switching to a vegan diet can save nearly 200 animals a year, reduce one’s carbon footprint, and lower the risk of diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. The organization also points to the United Nations’ call for a global shift towards plant-based eating to help mitigate the impacts of climate change. For those interested in making the change, PETA India offers a free vegan starter kit.
