Save the fish

If Barbara Elvy Strate's granddaughter, Janel, had watched her son slowly starve the family dog or cat, she would be facing cruelty to animals charges ("Spike the fish," March 8). But because a fish was treated so callously, Ms. Strate gets a "funny" story to share with her readers.

Except it's not funny. Fish are intelligent animals who feel pain just as intensely as dogs and cats do. A recent issue of Fish and Fisheries cited more than 500 research papers on fish intelligence proving that fish are smart, have impressive long-term memories and sophisticated social structures, and can even use tools.

As parents, we have a responsibility to teach our children empathy and compassion. It seems ridiculous to have to point this out, but doing nothing while an animal slowly starves to death does not fit the bill.

Sincerely,

Paula Moore

Senior Writer

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)

Norfolk, Va.