Peta vs. Pike Place fish-throwers

In an odd dispute between animal-rights activists and — of all people — veterinarians, "It's "gloves off," says PETA president and co-founder Ingrid Newkirk.

Members of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals plan to protest a fish-throwing demonstration from the employees of Pike Place Fish at the opening ceremony of The American Veterinary Medical Association's annual convention, to be held July 11-14 in Seattle.

In an exclusive Seattle Times video, reporter Mark Rahner looks at the peculiar issue with all the seriousness (he feels) it deserves.

Here are the basics:

PETA objected to the use of "their corpses used as toys" in a statement about the fish, and offered to send rubber replacements to the convention. Newkirk says PETA will "identify every vet who participates and carry the objection back to his/her hometown practice."

The AVMA posted its own statement this week saying it will go ahead with what it called "an educational, team-building presentation" despite PETA's objections. They called the fish-throwers a "cultural icon in Seattle" that "sets a high standard for community outreach efforts," adding that PETA's protest appears to be an attempt to "garner media attention and fuel their campaigns against the fishing and agricultural industries."

Furthermore, the vets noted, "Fish brought to the opening session presentation will be eaten afterward."