Do Fish Feel Pain? By Victoria Braithwaite Oxford University
Press Hardcover, 256 pages, $29.95 The realization that mammals
and birds are capable of experiencing pain and distress has had
a profound influence on our relationship with them. The
knowledge of this pain capacity has inspired a substantial
number of laws, ordinances, regulations, and policies that
dictate how mammals and birds can and should be treated when
used for food and fiber production, in research, as companion
animals, in zoological displays, and in many other situations.
Although there is much work still to be done in improving the
lives of these animals, no one should question that mammals and
birds need to be protected from unnecessary pain and distress.
But what about fish? Fish are hooked for recreation and food.
Commercial fisheries capture and kill millions of fish every
day. Fish are electro-shocked by researchers, managers poison
unwanted fish in lakes and rivers, and the aquarium trade is
thriving. Do fish feelings matter? Victo