PETA protesters target AVMA meeting in Seattle

Seattle

– About a dozen PETA protesters converged on the American Veterinary Medical Association's annual meeting today to voice opposition to a scheduled motivational fish toss slated later in the conference.

The protesters donned signs reading "Gutted alive" and "AVMA supports pain". With eyes closed, five of the protesters lay sprawled on the concrete sidewalk just in front of the Seattle Convention Center.

In response to the small protest, AVMA issued a prepared media statement.

"The AVMA respects and values PETA's right to express an opinion and hold a peaceful demonstration… but disagrees with its position on the use of fish as food and during an educational and motivational presentation by the fishmongers at Pike Place Fish Market."There are no better advocates for animals than veterinarians," say W. Ron DeHaven, AVMA’s Chief Executive Officer in a prepared statement.

"We have some very well-founded animal welfare principles that include the responsible use of animals, including fish, for food purposes. We believe that this event is consistent with those principles."

In late June, the association decided to proceed with the scheduled event despite PETA opposition, which garnered wide-spread media attention.