4737 CARLING, SIR
20th November 2004, 12:09
HAS FISH HAD ITS CHIPS?
FISH and chip shops across the nation have rallied against calls by barmy animal rights activists to ban one of Britain's favourite dishes.
Vegetarian group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has traditionally campaigned against people wearing fur coats or the killing of farmyard animals.
Now it wants fish suppers taken off the menu because it says the tasty underwater creatures are "intelligent" and feel pain when caught.
PETA's Dawn Carr said: "We are not pulling any punches on this one.
"We don't think people should eat fish at all - and if that means they do not eat fish and chips then so be it.
She added: "People should go on a fishing boat and see the amount of suffering a fish goes through when it is caught.
"It's horrific - their eyes pop out and their stomachs burst because of the pressure."
But the National Federation of Fish Friers - which was formed in 1913 and represents fish and chip shops across Britain - has joined the Sun Online to sink PETA's crazy plans.
NFFF president Adrian Herdman said: "It's potty. Why would they want to get rid of a meal that is not only part of British history but also well known for being good for you."
The 57-year-old, who has run a fish and chip shop near Swansea with his wife for the past 20 years, said: "I don't know where these people get their ideas from. Have they not got anything batter to do?"
The move will also upset well known fish and chip fans such as comedian Johnny Vegas, ex-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and entertainer Jimmy Saville.
All have been visitor's to Harry Ramsden's - Britain's biggest chain of fish and chip outlets - along with the entire Manchester United football team.
PETA suggested fish and chip shops serve fish subsititutes instead.
http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2004532336,00.html
FISH and chip shops across the nation have rallied against calls by barmy animal rights activists to ban one of Britain's favourite dishes.
Vegetarian group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has traditionally campaigned against people wearing fur coats or the killing of farmyard animals.
Now it wants fish suppers taken off the menu because it says the tasty underwater creatures are "intelligent" and feel pain when caught.
PETA's Dawn Carr said: "We are not pulling any punches on this one.
"We don't think people should eat fish at all - and if that means they do not eat fish and chips then so be it.
She added: "People should go on a fishing boat and see the amount of suffering a fish goes through when it is caught.
"It's horrific - their eyes pop out and their stomachs burst because of the pressure."
But the National Federation of Fish Friers - which was formed in 1913 and represents fish and chip shops across Britain - has joined the Sun Online to sink PETA's crazy plans.
NFFF president Adrian Herdman said: "It's potty. Why would they want to get rid of a meal that is not only part of British history but also well known for being good for you."
The 57-year-old, who has run a fish and chip shop near Swansea with his wife for the past 20 years, said: "I don't know where these people get their ideas from. Have they not got anything batter to do?"
The move will also upset well known fish and chip fans such as comedian Johnny Vegas, ex-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and entertainer Jimmy Saville.
All have been visitor's to Harry Ramsden's - Britain's biggest chain of fish and chip outlets - along with the entire Manchester United football team.
PETA suggested fish and chip shops serve fish subsititutes instead.
http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2004532336,00.html