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Gov. Bob McDonnell announced an initiative last week that would allow for sponsorships at Virginia’s highway rest areas to help offset the cost of operating the facilities.

This probably wasn’t what the governor had in mind, but People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals wants in on the action. PETA has sent a letter to the Virginia Department of Transportation expressing its interest in sponsoring the Interstate 81 rest stop in Troutville and renaming it the “Fishing Hurts” rest area. It also would like to get a reduced sponsorship rate as a nonprofit.

Really.

And forget about that junk food in the vending machines. The “Fishing Hurts” rest area would have “delicious vegan faux-fish sticks” and other fish-free snacks, according to PETA’s letter. And for the kids, there would be Sammy the Sea Kitten toys.

Here’s the text of the letter the group has sent to VDOT:

I am writing on behalf of Virginia-based People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and our more than 2 million members and supporters—including thousands across our home state—to inform you of PETA’s interest in sponsoring the Troutville Safety Rest Area and re-naming it the “Fishing Hurts” Rest Area.

Once upon a time, no one thought twice about fishing, but nowadays, given the research into fish sentience and their ability to feel pain, fishing can only be considered a blood sport that causes significant physical and psychological suffering. People who fish recreationally might be surprised to learn that the journal Fish and Fisheries cited more than 500 research papers on fish intelligence and concluded that fish are smart animals with sophisticated social structures. Perhaps it is because of awareness of this kind of information that a bill was introduced into the legislature establishing the “right” to fish, although legal scholars believe that law is unconstitutional. Fish have extremely sensitive mouths and lips that they use in much the same way that we use our fingers. Clearly, fish suffer when impaled with a metal hook and dragged into an environment in which they can’t breathe and are forced to gasp frantically. Dr. Donald Broom, scientific advisor to the British government, has said, “The scientific literature is quite clear. Anatomically, physiologically, and biologically, the pain system in fish is virtually the same as in birds and mammals.”

PETA’s “Fishing Hurts” Rest Area in Troutville would feature displays about fish intelligence, the pain caused by fishing, and the harm done to water birds and other aquatic life who become entangled in fishing line and ingest lost and discarded bobs and hooks. Our vending machines would dispense plush Sammy the Sea Kitten toys, which would teach children to have empathy for fish by comparing them to the kittens whom many of us are more familiar with. We would also consider stocking the vending machines with delicious vegan faux-fish sticks (made of healthy plant protein and spices) and other healthy fish-free snacks.

Allowing us to rename the Troutville facility the “Fishing Hurts” Rest Area would send a clear message that all violence is unacceptable, even when it is directed at those who are different from us. Would the Department of Transportation consider a reduced nonprofit rate for the annual rights fee required to sponsor a rest stop? . . . Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Tracy Reiman
Executive Vice President

-- Michael Sluss