PETA's fish-toss fit is so silly, there's got to be a catch

FOR many years, tourists visiting Seattle have gotten a thrill out of the fun-loving fishmongers at Pike Place Fish who stir up crowds with a skilled toss of a slippery fish across the counter. Along comes People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals with a challenge so ridiculous it sounds made up. Animal-rights activists cross the line of incredulity with a challenge of the use of fish in a presentation by the fishmongers at the American Veterinary Medical Association convention next month in Seattle. PETA need not stick its nose into a harmless Pacific Northwest tradition. Fish have some kind of feelings when living. But fish used in the famous fish toss are not nursing a wound or evaluating their sense of self worth. They are dead. The next best thing that can happen to a salmon is to be topped with lemon and butter, barbecued and then eaten...SeattleTimes