‘Fish are complex’: PETA writes Provo School District with animal empathy guides after teen tapes fish to ATMs

Derick Fox
·2 min read
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PROVO, Utah (ABC4) — Just two weeks after a 17-year-old in Provo was arrested for allegedly taping fish to ATMs, PETA has written an “urgent letter” to the Provo School District urging educators to teach animal empathy.

The Provo Police Department said there were roughly 13 times where the teen had taped fish to ATMs and other objects, including a Provo City Police patrol car.

TeachKind, the humane education division of the animal rights activist organization, said that whether or not the teen was a student with the school district, students have likely heard the news reports.

BACKGROUND: Teen facing charges for allegedly taping fish to ATMs in Provo

“It’s vital that schools set a standard of compassion by fostering empathy for animals throughout their lessons and activities, and research suggests this can even help students academically,” wrote TeachKind Correspondence Coordinator Julie Everett.

Along with her letter, Everett included links to free resources such as PETA’s “Empathy Now” program – which she described as a step-by-step trauma-informed guide to addressing and preventing youth violence against animals.

ABC4 reached out to the Provo City School District for comment regarding PETA’s letter but has not yet heard back at the time of publication.

PETA said that cruelty to animals and violence against humans are linked. In her letter, Everett said many educators are aware that serial killers and school shooters “tend to have a history of cruelty to animals.” PETA continued by saying fish are smart, empathetic and playful beings. They said they share knowledge and have long memories and cultural traditions.

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“If you can teach a child not to disrespect a fish, you do as much for the child as for the fish,” said PETA Senior Director of Youth Programs Marta Holmberg. “Compassion and empathy are especially important in these troubled times, and TeachKind is here to help young people learn that everyone, whether a carp or a classmate, deserves respect.”

In addition to its letter and animal empathy materials, PETA said it is also arranging to send fish-free filets to Timpview High School for students and staff to enjoy.

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