Category: News and Views
Tattooed Fishies Advertise Love -------------
Some Detroit pet shops are selling unique Valentine's Day
gifts -- fish tattooed with messages of love for the
recipient. The fish, which are marked with pink lips and
the message "I (heart) U," are imported from Asia after
being prepared with ink injections or lasers, the Detroit
Free Press reported Monday. The fish have sold out at three
of the seven Detroit shops that sell the unique gifts for
between $39 and $50. "It's a way to make a statement to a
boyfriend or girlfriend," said Dennis Jones, general manager
of Greenwood Pets. "It's quite unique." However, some pet
stores have refused to stock the fish as animal rights
activists have decried the tattooing process as an exercise
in cruelty. "It's neat, but I'm opposed to it because it
stresses the fish," said Junjun Cabral of the pet shop Best
Pets, which does not sell the fish. "Nothing says 'I love you'
like cruelty to animals," said Bruce Friedrich, spokesman for
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
I'm with you Bruce, more power to your elbow mate.
this is disgraceful!
it's sickening, i can't believe that people even buy those things!
ok, we accept that the tattooing is cruel, but who in their right mind buys goldfish for a valentine? I mean they could die tomorrow or live for years. are we then going to give counseling to the sad owner of the dead fish who believe it's an omen and their relationship is bound to die? Not something I'd consider. lol
<lol>
Wonder if they could tatoo cats.
Bob
Not funny, Bob.
happy valentines Becky.
Bob
lol, and it's so much better to go out and catch a fish, cut it up and eat it? hmm? hehehe And they have been doing this forever, you have been able to buy fish wiht neon color injected in it. they say this isn't supposed to change the way the fish feels at all. it does something to it's fins or scales or whatever! We always had them when we were younger and the reason i know so much about them, is I asked the guy at the pet shop about all this.
smiles, Shea
Why cast the line if the fish aren't biting?? Becky, you took Bob's bait and he reeled you in...
I've heard how painful tattooing is for humans, much less little creatures like fish; it's disgusting!
As for the longevity of the fish being an omen, there was a goldfish in England that lived for over 100 years; I think it died only recently.
damn all the people who buy one of these.
i've passed this on to someone who has a vegetarian gf, thanks.
I guess the next thing we will be purchasing is easter bunnies?
BEN.
Good idea Ben, maybe we could have "glow in the dark bunnies."
Bob
Well, I can see how this is taking tattooing a bit too far, but. Many pets have ear tattoos with a number that sets them apart, and we don't consider this cruel... We also microchip our pets in case they get lost, but we don't consider that cruel, either... And to those of you backing up PETA, might I remind you that they think using a guide dog is a form of cruelty to animals. So take their statement for what it's worth.
Fish with tatoos? Erm yeah... who'd by their lover a fish with a tatoo for Valentines Day anyway? I surely wouldn't. I wonder how their lifespan is with these horrid tatoos on them anyways. I'm honestly against captivity of animals in pet shops already putting a price on a living creature but as for tatoos on fish I consider this animal cruelty in a way.
i think that is the lowest of the low , hurting a innocent defenceless animal, they should be throughouly ashamed of themselves
A pet fish for Valentines Day? not on my watch
Ew'w'w gross! Who wants tatooed slimy fish for ~Valentines day presents anyway?
good question, creative, but cruel and disgusting
Why do we weep at the tatooing of fish, when humans voluntarily get tatooed all the time.
I personally think it's a strange idea, but doubt that the fish care one way or another.
Humans don't hold a candle to nature when it comes to cruelty.
Bob
Just when I thought I'd heard it all. The title for this topic was great!
As for that particular gift, I'd give one of those fish to a girl just about as readily as I would a new mop.