People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has a reputation for making bizarre allegations. No need for accountable science with this group.

Their latest proclamation—“that fish are intelligent, sensitive animals no more deserving of being eaten than the family cat or dog”—is preposterous at best. It has also drawn the ire of competent scientists and dieticians.

James Rose is one. The neuroscientist debunked PETA’s self-serving propaganda, agreeing with other academics to The Associated Press that “it is wrong to portray the intelligence of fish as comparable to mammals.”

“Fish are very complex organisms,” Rose declared, “but to suggest they know what’s happening to them and worry about it, that’s just not the case.”

Rose makes sense. Why else would a fish that’s just broken you off strike again?

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