Fifteen-year-old Justin Aligata is a Boy Scout Senior Patrol Leader who urges the Boy Scouts to nix their fishing merit badges in PETA’s new fishing commercial. He tells Grrr! why defending all animals—and your beliefs—is so important.
How did you become interested in animal rights?
I went to an Earth Day festival and found a booth with animal rights literature. I had no idea about how much animals suffered and how many cruel things were done to animals. That same day I became vegetarian, and ever since I have been an animal rights activist.
Did you ever go fishing?
Yes, before I was aware of how cruel the "sport" is, I fished at Boy Scout summer camp and with friends one time. I've only caught one fish and I hope to make it up to that fish and make a difference by saving the lives of many other fish.
What other things have you done for animals?
I'm a vegetarian and I do protests very often. I pass out literature at school and other places I go to. Also, I make sure I do simple things—if I see a dog running loose on a street, I see if he or she has a collar on and call the owner to tell them I have their dog. Whenever I see worms on the sidewalk after rainy days, I always pick them up and put them in a shady moist area close by.
Why did you get involved in Scouting?
Well, my mother got me involved when I was 7 years old. But I have stayed involved because I enjoy nature and learning new things. There are many fun things you can do in scouting—I've also learned leadership skills and how to stand up for myself when I know I am right. Scouting has also taught me morals and that scouts should not harm the environment or the animals in it. That is one of the big reasons why I don’t think there should be a fishing merit badge.
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| Check out FishingHurts.com for more facts and information on how you can play your part to help fish out! |
Are you afraid that the Boy Scouts will be angry with you?
I thought about what the Boy Scouts would think of me doing the commercial. The Boy Scouts are all about doing what is right and making a positive difference in the world, which is exactly what I am doing with PETA and animal rights overall. If they get mad, I think it would be going against what they stand for—I know I'm doing a good thing so I'm glad I went through with it.
What would you say to people who say that fish don't feel pain?
Fish do feel pain and they have feelings and emotions just like humans. I would tell them to see PETA's Web site and look for information.
Why isn't fishing OK as long as the fish are thrown back?
The fish still feel pain and sometimes the injury can be so bad that they can't eat right anymore. It also messes up the balance of nature for fish.
