May 24, 2013
Do you consider eating fish cruelty to animals? Some individuals with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, otherwise known as PETA, do.
That's why members of PETA were in front of C.M. Eppes Middle School in Greenville. They were trying to convince students to stop eating fish and to talk with their parents about stopping as well.
PETA spokesperson Karin Robertson says, "PETA's Fish Empathy Project is built on hundreds of scientific studies that prove that fish are intelligent individuals just like the dogs and cats that share our homes. They use tools; they learn faster than dogs; they are amazing individuals and we need to treat them with the respect and compassion the way we do other animals."
The members of PETA were exercising their right to free speech and were not on school grounds. Pitt County Schools did not give their consent for the demonstration. The view shared by PETA is not the only viewpoint. Some in the medical field say fish is a vital part of everyone's daily diet.
We spoke with a registered dietician with Physicians East, who says fish is a great source of protein, is very low in fat and saturated fat, even lower than most meats and poultry. The other thing is that it’s a good source of omega three fatty acids. For children it’s been shown to be a good effect for cognitive behavioral functions and it’s also protective against heart disease.
Dieticians recommend eating at least two to three servings a week of fish.
