PETA criticizes Seattle's famed fish toss

SEATTLE, June 10 (UPI) -- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals says the fish tossing that occurs at Seattle's Pike Place Market is unacceptable.

The animal rights organization told the American Veterinary Medical Association it should rethink its plan for a Pike Place Fish Market demonstration at an upcoming Seattle convention, The Seattle Times said Wednesday.

The organization told the veterinary group in a letter the practice of fish tossing makes fish appear like toys and therefore is an unacceptable practice for individuals who care for animals.

Lindsay Rajt, a PETA spokeswoman in Norfolk, said compassion should be shown by veterinarians.

Justin Hall, a Pike Place Fish Market assistant manager, said workers at the market respect the fish they toss around for customer and tourist amusement as the animals represent their livelihood.