Maddy Dawe
Millions of fishes are at risk of a painful death. It’s time to tell the UK Governments: stop forgetting fishes.
Science has long dispelled the myth that fishes don’t feel pain. But, despite it being widely recognised that fishes are sentient, feeling individuals, the law is failing them and exposing them to a painful death. Our latest campaign highlights the plight of the forgotten fishes, and calls on the UK Governments to give them the legal protection they deserve.
Around 77 million fishes are farmed for food in the UK each year. This number means that fishes are the second most farmed animal in the country, second only to chickens raised for meat. However, it is alarming that despite the vast number of fishes that are farmed, their legal protections pale in comparison to those for cows, pigs and chickens.
Of particular concern are the regulations designed to protect animals when they are slaughtered. For all land animals, there is detailed guidance aiming to protect them from pain and suffering at the time of killing. However, for farmed fishes, that guidance does not exist.
When farmed animals aren’t protected by the law, they are left vulnerable to mistreatment. Undercover investigations have shown fishes having their gills cut whilst still conscious, being clubbed repeatedly over the head, and suffocating for prolonged periods of time before death. Needless to say, this is an excruciating way to die.
The Government can stop this - countries like Norway have detailed legislation that aims to protect the welfare of fishes at the time of killing. We can do the same here - but we’ll need to pressure our Government to take this issue seriously and make fishes a priority.
Sign our petition today and tell the UK Government to stop forgetting fishes.
