Fish are friends, not pets

As it has somehow become a tradition at some campus… Fish are friends, not pets

As it has somehow become a tradition at some campus activities, I was disappointed but not surprised to see a sorority selling goldfish on Sept. 28 in Towers lobby, like they were candy bars or house plants. Unfortunately, the idea that animals are mere commodities whose needs and interests can be trampled upon or ignored is as common as the dead fish who greeted their new caretakers Wednesday morning. Whether we want to accept it or not, fish have feelings — not the least of which is the capacity to suffer and experience pain. We have no need to treat other sentient, vertebrate beings so shabbily — especially for such frivolous reasons.

Culum Brown, a University of Edinburgh biologist who is studying the evolution of cognition in fish, says, “Fish are more intelligent than they appear. In many areas, such as memory, their cognitive powers match or exceed those of ‘higher’ vertebrates, including non-human primates.” These intelligent, sensitive creatures deserve more than being sold off like trinkets or dying due to neglectful or inadequate care.

The stories of the purchased goldfish who died (and continue to do so) of disease, stress, inadequate care, poor water quality and a host of other reasons are too numerous to count. Far before their natural lifespan, these creatures died prematurely only after enduring crowded living conditions, stressful transport from distributor to store to sorority to caretaker, and lack of concern for their individual welfare. One of our members even had to point out to some of the women running the goldfish table that dead fish should be removed from containers where living goldfish remained to prevent further mortality.

It has been said that custom will reconcile people to any atrocity. Goldfish, like all animals, deserve compassionate and just treatment. We owe the other forms of sentient life more than indifference and cruelty — even when it is hidden behind a seemingly benign front in Towers lobby.

Sincerely,

Peter J. McKosky

Community Liaison

Voices for Animals of Western Pennsylvania, Pitt chapter

Go veggie and get healthy.

As Maria Masters noted, the salad bar and indeed the full gamut of other vegetarian options are a great way to keep your weight in check in “Students weigh in on Freshman 15,” Oct. 4. On average, vegans weigh 10 to 20 pounds fewer than meat-eaters.

Plant-based foods are, by and large, healthier for us, as they help lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Meat, dairy and eggs contribute to a host of the major diseases that plague us, including heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes.

Vegetarianism is the best diet for your health, the environment and animals. For more information, visit www.TryVegetarian.org.

Michael Croland

English

Senior

CMU