June 22, 2009

Dear Colleagues:

As you are probably aware, our upcoming convention will include a motivational presentation by the Pike Place Fish Market fishmongers. This planned event elicited a strong reaction from PeTA asking that we cancel the program, which was followed by a media campaign in which PeTA derided the AVMA and the fishing industry.

After a great deal of discussion, as well as input from AVMA members with expertise in aquaculture and animal welfare as well as council and committee members, the Executive Board stood by its original decision to proceed with the program as planned.

PeTA has responded to our decision with a letter threatening to "identify those veterinarians who participate in this shameful event, and to take the issue of their disrespectful attitude toward animals back to their home clinics."

As you can see from their letter, ultimately PeTA wants to put an end to fishing and the aquaculture industry. By focusing on this educational program, where dead fish are used to illustrate teamwork, they take attention away from the real opportunity which is a dialogue on how to further enhance humane methods of fishing and farming.

We encourage you to continue your involvement in this discussion, not in the media, but by becoming more involved in your Association through constructive dialogue.

Visit the volunteer section to view opportunities for you to get involved.

We look forward to seeing many of you in Seattle.

Sincerely,

Your AVMA Executive Board