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SEATTLE - The animal rights group PETA played dead for its cause on Saturday.
PETA members dressed as fish drew a crowd when they lay on the ground outside the American Veterinary Medical Association conference.
The reaction from those on the street was almost immediate
"I don't understand it, at all. It doesn't make any sense," said Dave Freeman.
"Our entire profession is devoted to alleviating the suffering and improving the lives of animals," said Christie Chavez, a veterinarian from Mississippi.
PETA decided to demonstrate in this way becuase a few hours before, some of the guys from the Pike Place Fish Market held a demonstration of their famous fish throwing.
The head of the AVMA said the fish market guys weren't invited to the convention because they throw fish.
"What this event was all about is their business model, their way of attracting and retaining good business," said Dr. Ron DeHaven.
PETA said the issue was also about what happens to the fish before they are dead.
But many of the vets said they didn't feel this was the way to tackle the issue.
"For them to say we hurt animals is offensive to me," said veterinary assistant Leslie Prince.
The PETA demonstrators laid on the ground outside of the convention center for about an hour, while other members handed out flyers.
The fish guys said they were initially surprised by PETA's stance. They said they show a great amount of reverance and respect for fish - it's their livelihood.
The vet conference goes on through Wednesday.
