Jack Hurley
Claremont
To the editor,
Healing breast cancer by inflicting pain and death on another living creature. An absurd idea, isn’t it? But that’s what the Casting for Recovery program proposes for women with breast cancer in Stowe, Vermont (May 17-19) and in Greenfield, New Hampshire (June 7-9)
Participants are expected “to find inspiration, discover renewed energy for life, and experience healing connections with other women and nature” by catching and releasing fish.
But, catch and release is hell for fish. Their mouths and brains are pierced by barbed hooks that are then ripped out, while the fish are drowning in air — their gills often collapse, and their swim bladders can rupture from changes in pressure. Being handled by humans also damages their protective coating so they are more vulnerable to disease and predators. Fish feel horrific pain.
If the fish do not die from their injuries, they can die of shock from this treatment. Most fish, who are thrown back into the water, will die slow deaths.
Imagine driving a nail with a spur through a human’s lip or up through the roof of her mouth, holding her head under water, then releasing her to die.
There is plenty of evidence that time spent in nature is therapeutic. A walk in the woods or along a stream to see and enjoy the marvels of nature would foster true healing. Killing others for “fun” will never heal us.
Jack Hurley
Claremont
As your daily newspaper, we are committed to providing you with important local news coverage for Sullivan County and the surrounding areas.