Controversy Over Tattooed & Dyed Fish
(CBS4) OKLAHOMA CITY It may or may not be cruel but it is definitely unusual. Tattooed and dyed fish are a novelty item that one Oklahoma City wholesaler makes thousands of dollars on each year.
That is until city animal control officers came into Donnie Flemings pet shop and confiscated all the tattooed and dyed fish. Thats because theres a city ordinance that states you can't dye animals or bring dyed animals into the city.
That came as a surprise for the pet shop owner who lost about 14 hundred dollars worth of fish.
The city says the ordinance was put in place primarily to protect chicks and ducklings during holidays. Fish were not the intended target, but the city has to enforce the ordinance.
Animal rights activists agree and say the color of fish should be altered.
Its an unnecessary process. Tropical fish are quite beautiful as they occur in nature, said Cynthia Armstrong from the Humane Society of the United States.
Fleming says the fish, tattooed with messages and symbols are huge sellers and his store sells about $120 thousand worth every year.
Fleming said he got very angry when he found out that his confiscated fish were euthanized.
Animal activists say dying a fish is inhumane and painful.
"Exposure to illness that they would, infectious diseases, it shortens their life span, it stunts their growth," according to Armstrong.
Donnie Fleming stands by his claim that all the animals in his store are treated humanely. He says before the fish are tattooed, they are sedated, tattooed and then placed back in the water. He says he does not believe fish can feel pain.
The Oklahoma City Council plans to discuss amending the ordinance at their next meeting in October.
unch: :Kick:
