PlanetCatfish.com

hi...
I'm relatively new to aquarium fish, and very new to these forums, so please excuse me if I'm touching upon something that has already been discussed to death.
That being said, it only just recently came to my attention that fish that have been injected with dyes are currently on the market. I had to see it with my own eyes to believe it (http://www.aquabid.com/cgi-bin/auction/ ... 1074314411).
It frustrates me to no end that people still view fish as less than pets, throwaway creatures without any value other than to please the human eye.
This isn't to say I am ignorant to the other injustices that happen to animals. I have worked for veterinarians who declawed cats, debarked dogs, and cut off the ears and tails of poor, screaming, unanaesthetized puppies. The difference here is that it seems there isn't much of an outcry when it comes to fish.
I don't know that there's anything I can do, other than refusing to patronize stores that will sell dyed fish, and spreading the word, but it really grabs me that something needs to be done.

On a related note, in my state, Louisiana, chickens are not considered animals, therfore cock fighting is legal. Its ridiculus.

Hi!
I agree totally! We must use all kinds of contacts to animal rights groups, press, and everyone that would be willing to do something, (aquarists societies, LFS?) and tell where and by who such animals are "engineered" and sold!

Then WE must take action, and make sure this issue comes up on the public agenda.Since these fish are a US "innovation" you could;

1) Call 202 224 3121 The US capitol switchboard. Give your zip code, they tell you who is your
representative.
2) Write: Office of Senator (name), United State senate, Washington DC 20510 or
Office of representative (name), United States House of Representatives, Washington
DC, 20515.
3) E-mail: Senators: http://www.senate.gov/contacting/index_by_state.cfm
Representatives: http://www.house.gov/writerep/

(tips from a Michael Moore book, how to get through with your message)

Make signature lists/petitions, and make your friends help you. Call, mail, let them hear you! Remember there are many people, you are not, but again, not many people contact their reps! You'll be heard! Make it an issue, and they will remember it the next time the topic is discussed! Remember California banned the fish! Other states could follow!



In other countries, we must take action via our fish organisations, Fish shop owners organisations, press, animal rights groups, and so on! Dont let it be silented down! Most countries are very much against genetical engineering and such cruel exploitation of living organisms! Make yourself heard!

Like, when Monsanto genetically engineered this corn to make sterile crops, to force poor farmers to buy new seeds copyrighted by that company, the outcry from the world of organisations were so large, that they had to close that project (I think they only keep it on ice waiting for another opportunity).

The fishes will love those who take action! Why change organisms that are already beautiful?

spiny wrote:Hi!
I agree totally! We must use all kinds of contacts to animal rights groups, press, and everyone that would be willing to do something, (aquarists societies, LFS?) and tell where and by who such animals are "engineered" and sold!

I would be careful of involing "everyone" as some of these groups would support this cause, but then turn on those of us that like to keep fish and say we shouldn't since it is cruel. JMO