PETA Coming for Fishkill, New York’s Violent Name, Again?

Should Fishkill, NY display a quilt suggested by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) to counteract its violent name?

Over the years the Town of Fishkill has come under fire by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) because of the town's name and how it might be perceived as supporting the killing of fish. Back in 2005, PETA asked the then-current Fishkill government administration to consider changing its name from Fishkill to "FishSave". That idea "sank like a lead weight" according to a PETA press release, but now they are asking Fishkill to consider doing something different.

Fishkill to Display "Fish Empathy Quilt"?

Earlier this month PETA President Ingrid Newkirk sent current Fishkill Mayor Kathleen Martin a letter asking the town if they would be interested in allowing the organization to display a "first-of-its-kind Fish Empathy Quilt." The letter dated December 8th began with Newkirk saying

"I'm writing on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals—PETA entities have more than 9 million members and supporters worldwide—with a suggestion that would show everyone that Fishkill is fish-friendly. We do realize that “kill” there means “creek” or “stream” and always did, but that’s not the way the public perceives the name."

Newkirk continued by offering Fishkill the "Fish Empathy Quilt" on loan for display "to counteract its violent name and promote friendliness to fish instead" The letter went on to say that the quilt has already made quite a splash in towns from California to Alaska and asked, "can its next stop be in Fishkill?"

Will Fishkill Display the Quilt?

We've reached out to the Town of Fishkill for a comment but haven't heard back yet so as of today, it's unclear if Fishkill will take PETA up on its offer. If they do, PETA has said that they will arrange to have a bunch of fish-free meals, along with an appearance from their mascot "Tiffany Tuna" at the festive unveiling event.

SEE ALSO: Fishkill Business Brings New Life to This Legendary Building

What is a Fish Empathy Quilt?

According to a PETA press release,

"the quilt is a vibrant, creative depiction of compassion for fish and other marine life. It features more than 100 unique squares contributed by individuals from around the country. Collectively, they’ve created an artwork that continues to grow as people’s sensitivity to the plight of animals increases. It consists of six sections of varying dimensions, which can be displayed separately or clipped together as one large quilt (over 300 square feet)."