Ingrid Newkirk dressed up as a fish and lay down on a white podium at Kala Ghoda with fish props on either side on Friday afternoon to send Mumbaikars the message to leave fish off their plates.

Animal rights activist from Norfork in Virginia and founder of People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), Ms. Newkirk is in the city to urge the government to follow the example set by European countries in protecting the rights of marine animals.

Speaking to The Hindu, Ms. Newkirk said, “Fish are sensitive. Their fragile lips hurt when you put a hook on them. When you put them in a net, their heads put pressure on their eyes and sometimes their organs burst, suffocating them. Fish eaters put a living being through this brutality to just please their tummies. If you go to the website of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, you will find everything from arthritis and, heart attacks to diabetes linked to meat and milk consumption. Instead it is Omega-3 that is not from fish oil, and vegan diet that is for good health.”

Ms. Newkirk said people should empathise with the struggles of the fish and understand the harm we cause to them. She said, “With our water bodies plagued with plastic and sewage, fish often consume filth. They often feed on scum from the bottom of the water. Fish are also a source of cholesterol and after eating them you end up with blood pressure and heart diseases. People must completely obliterate meat from their plates and try vegan food like soya, oats, almond milk, vegetables, fruits and vegan pizzas. The list of options is endless.”

While acknowledging the huge consumption of fish in India, Ms. Newkirk referred to fish-friendly policies prevalent abroad.

She said, “In Europe, a legislation has recently made it illegal to boil lobsters alive. Also, if you have pet fish, you now need to have a certain amount of airspace at the top of the fish tank. One is also not allowed to hunt animals for pleasure like playing catch-and-release. India must follow their suit and set an example for others.”

Emphasising on the need for a stronger policy framework for the protection of aqua and animal life, Ms. Newkirk said, “People in India must start with educating their children. Fishermen could be absorbed in other sectors such as farming. They could also be employed to clean water bodies if resources are set up properly.”