PETA protestors say bow fishing "hurts"

Wednesday, June 15th 2005, 6:28 am

By: News On 6

The group "People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals," or PETA, has a message. They say even fish have feelings. So PETA is hoping to bring awareness to what they call, "Fish Empathy."

PETA launched its campaign Tuesday in Tulsa against bowfishing in advance of this weekend's bowfishing youth world championship at Fort Gibson Lake.

They hope the campaign will encourage the Oklahoma Division of Wildlife Conservation to cancel or closely monitor the tournament to make sure no laws are being broken.

PETA says an event like that sends the wrong message to young people.

"We need to teach children to respect and care about animals, not to revel in their pain and suffering," said Karin Robertson of PETA..

The wildlife department officials tell the News On 6 they will have the normal number of officers at the tournament.