MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) - The animal-rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is asking the state of Vermont to stop its family-oriented "Let's Go Fishing" program, saying fishing is cruel and encourages violence.
The program trains volunteers to teach young people and their families how to fish.
Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Patrick Berry has taken issue with PETA's request; he's invited the organization to go fishing.
He tells the Burlington Free Press that picking on a program that brings families together and nurtures an appreciation for aquatic resources is a poor vehicle for a political stunt.
PETA said that fish feel pain, and fishing promotes the inhumane treatment of the creatures. It said research shows fish that are caught and thrown back into the water often die from their injuries.
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