Kolkata: A hospital off EM Bypass that had strung up small jars with live fish from patients' beds to liven up the mood removed them after the sight of the fish confined in small, unfiltered containers distressing a patient.
It was animal rights organisation People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals India that received the disturbing videos of small glass containers strung up at the foot of patients' beds with live fish struggling to survive in them.New Year SpecialUnbelievable! 2025's most powerful zodiac predictions are here50+ Happy New Year 2025 Wishes & Quotes to share joy and cheerNumerology 1-9: What the numbers hold for us next yearOne of the videos showed a dead fish in the jar with the other appearing to be in distress. An PETA official contacted Fortis Hospital and pointed out that fish are intelligent, social animals and not ornamental pieces.
"Fish are not ornaments; they are living beings deserving of compassion and respect. Confining them to small spaces is also a violation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960," said PETA India's Senior Assistant of Corporate Affairs Priyanka Bhoj.
Following the PETA alert, the hospital removed the fish that were on display. Though the hospital authorities did not comment to a TOI query on the issue, PETA said the hospital Vice-President of Company Secretary and Compliance, Satyender Chauhan, confirmed that Fortis took immediate action.
"PETA India urges corporations and individuals to choose countless humane and safe alternatives for decorations that do not involve the use of live animals and reflect the true spirit of the holiday season—one of kindness and joy," said Bhoj.