Fish will fly at AVMA convention

Schaumburg, Ill.

-- The Pike Place fishmongers will perform as planned during the AVMA's annual convention in Seattle.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) came under criticism last week when People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) objected to bringing in the fishmongers for the AVMA's motivational, team-building program.

Fishmongers from the famed Pike Place Fish Market toss dead fish as a way to engage the audience and build teamwork. The fish are consumed after the program.

"The AVMA has decided that we will host the program in its original design, which will include the presentation by the Pike Place fishmongers," said Dr. W. Ron DeHaven, AVMA chief executive officer. "We believe this will be a valuable experience for our attendees, and we are confident they will gain useful management skills from their experience."

The fishmongers have presented the motivational program to a wide variety of groups since 1990, sharing their successful business plan of engagement and empowerment.

The convention takes place July 11-14.