James RickardNew information on fish pain
July 14th 2009 01:04
Here's another report weighing in on the topic of fish pain. Do fish feel pain or not? I've posed that question before so I'm not going to go overboard with my opinion. However, I will say WE'RE AT THE TOP OF THE FOOD CHAIN, DUDE! LIGHTEN UP!
Now that I have that off my chest I'll go on.
Studies have been conducted at the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science to indicate that fish feel pain. Despite the work of people FAR more intelligent than myself, I have my doubts on this study and its application toward all fish.
Since there are over 20,000 species of fish out there plus those probably waiting to be discovered in the depths of the ocean, are we to believe that this study, conducted on goldfish, is a definitive answer to a debate that has been raging for generations? At best, I think this study shows goldfish react to heat.
Lest I come off a cruel buffoon, let me point out that I DO care about this sort of thing. As I stated, we are at the top of the food chain and, as such, enjoy that status by being able to consume the flesh of other animals. None the less, I sincerely believe it is our responsibility to make an animal's death as quick and painless as possible. In view of this, one has to ask if a fish, with a brain the size of a pea, BB, or pebble, has a nervous system capable of such stimuli.
Further more, those who sit in judgment need to take part in studies to further determine if each part of a fish's body is equally sensitive. How else can you explain a mother cat carrying her kitten by the scruff of the neck? OR how about rubbing a feather across your feet vs. your elbow? With that in mind, do you think there's any possibility a fish's mouth may not have as many nerves as the rest of its body?
If you want to read a little more, here's the report.
Now that I have that off my chest I'll go on.
Studies have been conducted at the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science to indicate that fish feel pain. Despite the work of people FAR more intelligent than myself, I have my doubts on this study and its application toward all fish.
Since there are over 20,000 species of fish out there plus those probably waiting to be discovered in the depths of the ocean, are we to believe that this study, conducted on goldfish, is a definitive answer to a debate that has been raging for generations? At best, I think this study shows goldfish react to heat.
Lest I come off a cruel buffoon, let me point out that I DO care about this sort of thing. As I stated, we are at the top of the food chain and, as such, enjoy that status by being able to consume the flesh of other animals. None the less, I sincerely believe it is our responsibility to make an animal's death as quick and painless as possible. In view of this, one has to ask if a fish, with a brain the size of a pea, BB, or pebble, has a nervous system capable of such stimuli.
Further more, those who sit in judgment need to take part in studies to further determine if each part of a fish's body is equally sensitive. How else can you explain a mother cat carrying her kitten by the scruff of the neck? OR how about rubbing a feather across your feet vs. your elbow? With that in mind, do you think there's any possibility a fish's mouth may not have as many nerves as the rest of its body?
If you want to read a little more, here's the report.
Remember to take the hooks outta yer pocket before ya sit down!
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Comment by Janet Collins
Acceptable Etiquette
The Social Critic
Janet Collins Blog
Now that, I dare say, would hurt!
Comment by James Rickard
unlucky_ fishermen.com
Angling Fish
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