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(d-11)
Mid-Hudson Vegetarian Society, Inc.
38 East Market Street, Rhinebeck, New York 12572 USA -
845-876-2626
Vegetarian - Vegan - Animal Rights - Health - Nutrition - Environment
The mission of the Mid-Hudson Vegetarian Society, Inc. is to promote the vegetarian ethic in the Mid-Hudson (New York) region, educate the community and aid anyone in the pursuit of a totally vegetarian (vegan) cruelty-free and healthful lifestyle.
Articles - Letters - and More
Letter Re: Fishing Contest for Kids
Letter to the Editor - Gazette Advertiser
Page A8 of the Thursday April 19 edition shows large photos of smiling children holding fish that they caught. This contest, you state, has been happening for 49 years.
Why does our society, which abhors cruelty to companion animals and is becoming more aware of the cruelty of factory farming still think that killing a fish with a metal hook is a "sport" suitable for young children? The age range is 3 to 16.
Fish have a nervous system and do feel pain. How can this be a "contest" when only the humans are aware of it? The fish reach out for what they think is food, they have no way of knowing they will soon be in great pain and will be pulled to their death.
The young people who registered for the event are learning that killing is not only fun but very much sanctioned by the adults in the community. The children find this enjoyable because they have been taught by adults that it is. A contest in which children kill chickens, goats or calves certainly would not be planned.
What if all this effort, money, organizational skill and family togetherness were channeled by the Landsman Kill Association into activities that teach reverence for life and ways to have fun together that harm no living thing. I know that "kill" means stream in Dutch, but this contest promotes the English meaning of the word.
The underlying premise that needs reexamination, I believe.
Roberta Schiff
Mid-Hudson Vegetarian Society
Rhinebeck
845.876.5598
We look forward to
hearing from you
