PETA Calls for Memorial Where Hundreds of Fish Died in Car Accident

On behalf of the leading animal rights group, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), a representative wrote a letter of request to the Irvine Public Works Department to put a memorial at the intersection wherein more than a thousand pounds of fish died following a three-car accident last October 11.

In her letter, Dina Kourda requested that a sign be erected at the street corner of Walnut Avenue and Yale Avenue, at a spot far from the road to prevent it from interfering traffic. The effort is to honor the lives of the fish that passed away in the said incident.

According to previous reports, the fish were being hauled to a Ranch 99 market, an Asian supermarket, when the multiple car crash that caused the death of the fishes occurred. Fortunately, none of the people involved in the crash were seriously injured.

Kourda further noted in her letter that although such signs are traditionally reserved for human fatalities, she hopes that the state agency will make an exemption due to the severe sufferings incurred by the fish from the incident. In addition, the memorial will also serve as a reminder to drivers that all animals, despite being not humans, value their lives and feel pain as well.

Moreover, spokeswoman Ashley Byrne also affirmed that PETA had called for memorials for other types of animals such as pigs and cows before. However, this is the first time that the organization did the same effort for fish. Nevertheless, the memorial is appropriate, Byre added.

On the other hand, the spokesman for the city of Irvine, Craig Reem, said that although he was not familiar with the city’s procedure for dealing with such requests, he admitted that it would be unfair if he will say that the city has no plans to grant the request.

Meanwhile, a Los Angeles injury attorney likewise believes that every life in this world should be cared for and treated like human beings. Therefore, being sensitive about others’ feelings and value is very significant. He likewise commented that people should always bear in mind that even plants and animals have feelings, too. Other than that, they also play remarkable roles in the community.