2 days ago
Anti-fishing group PETA call for Norwich pub Compleat Angler to be renamed 'The Thinking Trout'
An animal rights group has called for a riverside pub to change its traditional name amid concerns about cruelty to fish.
PETA has written to the manager of The Compleat Angler in Norwich and asked him to change the name of the pub to 'The Thinking Trout'.
The letter to the pub, which sits on the edge of the River Wensum at the bottom of Prince of Wales Road, reads: "Angling is far from a peaceful pastime. When wrenched from their homes, fish struggle, suffocating, before being bludgeoned to death or beheaded while still alive. "Fish, too, are thinking, feeling individuals. They enjoy social relationships, communicate with their bodies, use tools, and even make art for love.
"Angling doesn't just harm fish. Every year, around 640,000 tonnes of discarded fishing gear enter the world's oceans and rivers, strangling millions of fish, birds, turtles, and other animals.
"By replacing sea life on your menu with delicious vegan options and rebranding as 'The Thinking Trout', you can take a bold stand against cruelty and environmental destruction. "And you have to admit, The Thinking Trout has a certain sparkle to it."
The Compleat Angler is named after a collection of stories and poems about fishing, published in 1653 by Izaak Walton.
It's thought to be one of the most printed works in English Literature.
The pub chain that owns The Compleat Angler pub, Greene King, has been contacted for comment.
Since the letter from PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) was published, people have speculated online as to which other pubs could be on its hit list. Someone suggested the popular Norwich pub, The Fat Cat, could also be petitioned as it could be accused of promoting obesity in response to the tongue-in-cheek suggestion, staff at the Fat Cat posted on their Facebook page: "...And I thought we were named after those hardworking heroes in the City of London!
"But seriously, all cats are beautiful. It doesn't matter how fat they are."
