Target: U.S. Secretary of Agriculture
Goal: Implement federal regulations to prevent prolonged suffering in fish during slaughter.
The disturbing revelations from a recent peer-reviewed study in Scientific Reports have brought to light the agonizing suffering fish endure during common slaughter practices. Despite their lack of vocal cords, fish experience pain and distress similar to other animals, lasting up to 21.7 minutes before losing consciousness. This critical evidence reveals that fish are not merely responding reflexively but are fully conscious of their suffering, experiencing intense panic and anxiety as they struggle against the agonizing urge to breathe after being pulled from water.
The study highlights various slaughter methods including air asphyxiation, which exposes fish to excruciating pain while their bodies struggle to cope with the lack of oxygen. Even methods that appear less cruel, such as chilling in ice slurry, can inadvertently prolong their suffering due to slowed metabolism. The current lack of federal laws governing the treatment and slaughter of fish in the United States represents a significant oversight, allowing such inhumane practices to persist unchecked.
Urgent action is necessary to ensure that fish are afforded the same consideration as other animals in terms of humane treatment and slaughter. Regulations mandating the use of more humane stunning methods, such as electrical or percussive stunning, could significantly reduce the unnecessary suffering of these sensitive creatures. This petition demands that federal regulations be established to protect fish from these cruel slaughter practices, ensuring that their suffering is acknowledged and mitigated.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear U.S. Secretary of Agriculture,
The recent study published in Scientific Reports has revealed alarming evidence about the suffering inflicted on fish during slaughter. It has been reported that rainbow trout and likely other fish species endure up to 21.7 minutes of pain before they lose consciousness. They experience significant distress, trapped underwater, gasping for air, and struggling against their situation, highlighting their ability to feel pain in a conscious manner. Such findings underscore the urgent need for reforms in our treatment of fish.
The current practices involve methods such as air asphyxiation, which has been shown to cause prolonged suffering. Even methods perceived as gentler can lead to significant distress and delay the loss of consciousness. With no federal laws in place to regulate the handling or slaughter of fish, millions continue to suffer unnecessarily at the hands of outdated practices.
It is imperative to address this issue now and establish regulations to prevent the inhumane treatment of fish. By mandating humane stunning methods and improving slaughter conditions, we can ensure that these sentient beings are treated with the respect and care that all animals deserve. We urge you to take immediate action to implement these necessary regulatory changes to protect fish from further suffering.
Sincerely,
Your Name Here
Photo credit: Pixabay
