I Can't Believe Her! (update)

[poopsydrew]

Is it illegal, really? On what grounds, if so?
Not that I don't think it SHOULD be illegal, but I'd be pretty surprised if it were considering the general lack of laws protecting fish. Also, sewer water is pre-treated before being dumped back into waterways, so no live fish is going to survive that journey, I don't think.

I was one of the ones that suggested it MIGHT be illegal. I suggested on the grounds that IF somehow one were to survive (as you and otthers have pointed out is very unlikely) then that would be considered releasing a non-native species into the waters which is illegal in most states to protect the wildlife. I understand the water is treated, chance of survival is next to impossible, but not impossible IMO, as we have seen many fish adapt and somehow survive in crazy places. So my argument was that the betta was non-native and technically that person could be releasing it back into the wild and although very unlikely if it were to survive who knows the effects it could have...

Drew

 

[mcdanielnc89]

Drew I think yu are correct about that.. It is illegal to harm an animal . No matter what kind... Flushing it inot acceptable niether...

 

[Chuka1212]

Yikes!! Note to self: Never flush bettas and don't mention it to anyone if I did. Sounds like I'd have a group of hostile, ninja betta-avengers after me... I pity that woman and her fish at the same time.

 

[poopsydrew]

Yikes!! Note to self: Never flush bettas and don't mention it to anyone if I did. Sounds like I'd have a group of hostile, ninja betta-avengers after me... I pity that woman and her fish at the same time.

LOL, someone earlier mentioned OPERATION:BETTA Off to buy my ninja suit now

Drew

 

[SoCalMom]

You guys are crazy!!! LMAO

 

[jollysue]

I really do doubt that is illegal to flush a fish down the loo in the States. But I will wait for the official legal answer. Where is ral when you need him?

 

[SoCalMom]

You tried. Good effort. Probably a predictable outcome though. I hope it doesn't create problems for you at work. My employer expects teamwork and gives bad performance reviews if there are conflicts on the job. Hard to correct angry at risk adolescent behavior when the adults are going at it.

Thanks. No worries there. I met her at my old job. I haven't worked with her in over a year

I really do doubt that is illegal to flush a fish down the loo in the States. But I will wait for the official legal answer. Where is ral when you need him?

Shhhh she thinks it's illegal lol. I scared her with that one

 

[poopsydrew]

I really do doubt that is illegal to flush a fish down the loo in the States. But I will wait for the official legal answer. Where is ral when you need him?

Would be nice to know for sure, but what if it survived somehow in local waters, then would it be illegal? My logic here is that it wouldnt be illegal to actually flush it but it would be illegal to release a fish (directly or indirectly) into non-native waters. Is ral very knowledagble about this sort of thing?

Drew

p.s.-Im sure you agree but like it has been said before, just because it isnt illegal doesnt make it right.

 

[mcdanielnc89]

well, the animal control is actuall ygetting stricter abut the abuse on animals so i may actually be illegal.. So, .... Hmm. This has me puzzled.. LOL

EDIT:
I know if you starve an animal, harm an animal, or hurt an animal in any way here in my state you will go to jail!

 

[jollysue]

I believe in general fish are not treated as animals. None that I know of at my local SPCA.

ral used to frequent. I haven't seen him around for awhile. He is a lawyer and Betta enthusist in Hawaii. It was fun having indepth discussions/debates with an attorney. He also bred and entered his fish in competions like Cracker.

 

[mcdanielnc89]

By all means don't get me wrong, I'm not saying your wrong at all., but... Shouldn't they beconsidered an animal .especially since they ARE? LOL.... wow am i ever lost.. i think im outta this convo... researching time.. HAHA

 

[poopsydrew]

Im sure jollysue like most of us wishes they were considered animals. She is just saying that they dont recognize them as animals. I completely agree with you though nathaniel, of course they should be considered animals and protected

Wow, this really is a situation for a lawyer/betta kepper. Now if only we could find ral, shall I put on my ninja suit to go looking for him?

Drew

 

[Synirr]

Animal rights laws would certainly cover this under cruelty... IF animals rights laws included fish in their definition of "animal". The vast majority here in the states do not. I believe there are rare exceptions in some state/county laws, but for the most part cold-blooded critters are screwed. Yes, that goes for reptiles and amphibians as well. This is also part of the reason why you can ship reptiles, amphibians, and fish through the mail from anywhere, but if shipping another type of animal you have to go to designated post offices that can accept the package.

Flushing a fish, I know for a fact, is not considered releasing it into local waters whether or not the fish survives. The chances of it surviving are pretty much nill anyway. We're talking such a low chance that it's not even worth consideration. Solid wastes are separated from the fluid wastes, which are then purified before being introduced back into the water supply, if that helps you understand why I say this. That's if the chlorine and ammonia/urea doesn't kill the fish first.

Edit for typos.

 

[mcdanielnc89]

Animal rights laws would certainly cover this under cruelty... IF animals rights laws included fish in their definition of "animal". That vast majority here in the states do not. I believe there are rare exceptions in some state/county laws, but for the most part cold-blooded critters are screwed. Yes, that goes for reptiles and amphibians as well. This is also part of the reason why you can ship reptiles, amphibians, and fish through the mail from anywhere, but if shipping another type of animal you have to go to designated post offices that can accept the package.

Flushing a fish, I know for a fact, is not considered releasing it into local waters whether or not the fish survives. The chances of it surviving are pretty much nill anyway. We're talking such a low chance that it's not even worth consideration. Solid wastes are separated from the fluid wastes, which are then purified before being introduced back into the water supply, if that helps you understand why I say this. That's if the chlorine and ammonia/urea doesn't kill the fish first.

Yes but. it absolutely makes no sence at all.. this COUNTRY SUCKS.. LOL... not that i didn't alreasy know that..lol..

 

[BettaGirl201]

I believe in general fish are not treated as animals. None that I know of at my local SPCA.

ral used to frequent. I haven't seen him around for awhile. He is a lawyer and Betta enthusist in Hawaii. It was fun having indepth discussions/debates with an attorney. He also bred and entered his fish in competions like Cracker.

Actually, my local SPCA (might not be the same with yours) there is one man who is the only person who cares about fish abuse. If he goes into a house with mis-treated fish, he'll take them away ect. ect. I respect that man so much for doing what he does. Somebody has to stick up for fish, right?