Lake Ridge, Va. –– An annual fishing event will go on despite cries from an animal rights group.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA, says Lake Ridge’s annual “fish out” is in humane.
The neighborhood’s property owners association plans to bring 750 rainbow trout from a hatchery in Goshen in the western Virginia on Friday, drop them in a swimming pool at the Tall Oaks Community Center and let residents fish them out.
The property owners association started the event four years ago and says it’s a great way to bring families together prior to the start of the summer pool season.
“This is a fun event we started after I got an email from a friend in Texas that said they did something similar there, and that we had to check it out. We already do a doggie paddle in the pool, so anyone who knows me knows in not adverse to putting animals in the pool for fun events,” said Shirley Couteau, with the Lake Ridge Property Owners Association.
LRPRA sells bait and rents fishing poles for the family-oriented event, which begins at noon Friday and lasts throughout the weekend.
But PETA has placed the event on its popular action alert website, asking residents to contact the LRPRA and ask them to stop the event.
“What about impaling animals on a metal hook and dragging them into the open air to suffocate says ‘family fun’?” asks PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman in a press release. “With so many other pool activities to choose from, there’s simply no excuse for tormenting fish for entertainment.”
The organization says fish have the ability to communicate and to feel pain, and if dogs and cats were treated in the same manner residents participating in the event would most likely be charged with animal cruelty.
Couteau says the event is a friendly way to introduce people to fishing.
“We respect their opinion, and we’re sorry they decided to pick on us and put us on their radar. But the warm fuzzies we get from the event, seeing families together, outweigh the negatives,” said Couteau.
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Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
