AVMA again backs fish-throwing program despite PETA threat

Schaumburg, Ill.

-- After AVMA reiterated its decision to move forward with a motivational fish-tossing presentation by the Pike Place Fish Market fishmongers at the AVMA convention next month, PETA threatened to "out" those in attendance.

In a letter to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) says it will "identify those veterinarians who participate in this shameful event and take the issue of their disrespectful attitude toward animals back to their home clinics."

The AVMA executive board is remaining steadfast in its decision, issuing yet another open letter to colleagues.

"As you can see from their (PETA) letter, ultimately PETA wants to put an end to fishing and the aquaculture industry," the board writes. "By focusing on this educational program, where dead fish are used to illustrate teamwork, they take attention away from the real opportunity, which is a dialogue on how to further enhance humane methods of fishing and farming."

The board closes the letter by encouraging members not to talk with the media, but to become more involved in the AVMA through dialogue and volunteering.