THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Sunday, April 14, 1996                 TAG: 9604120014
SECTION: COMMENTARY               PAGE: J4   EDITION: FINAL 
TYPE: Editorial 
                                             LENGTH: Short :   47 lines

PEOPLE FOR THE ETHICAL TREATMENT OF ANIMALS: NOT VERY NEIGHBORLY

For several months now, we've been reading about the impending arrival of PETA - People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

While its anti-meat, anti-fur and anti-circus views are far from mainstream, PETA pricks the conscience of folks about the inhumane treatment of animals. That part of its message is constructive.

But as PETA prepares to move its national headquarters into downtown Norfolk in June, its officials ought to - initially at least - try to be good neighbors. Threatening to disrupt pleasure fishing, sport fishing and commercial fishing will not endear this extreme group to locals or win many converts.

Those who fish for a living ought to be able to carry on a livelihood that is legal and, many people feel, essential without encountering interference from zealots. Constitutionally protected free speech and protest is one thing; harassment another. There are laws to prevent the latter.

But just to make sure, Del. Glenn R. Croshaw of Virginia Beach has announced that he will introduce a bill in the General Assembly next session giving fishing the same protection from harassment that hunting and trapping now enjoy in the commonwealth.

He says this is in response to a large number of calls and faxes he's been receiving from concerned fishermen. The bill should have little difficulty passing both houses of the General Assembly, but the earliest it could take effect would be next winter.

``To tell a guy that he can't take his son fishing on the weekend is un-American,'' says Croshaw.

Many will share Croshaw's sentiments while suspecting he's making political hay out of the issue. Unfortunately, an over-reaction to PETA has a good chance of playing into the hands of the group, garnering it far more publicity than it could otherwise generate. Croshaw is free to propose legislation, but most Virginians would be wise to ignore the sound and fury and just go fishing.

PETA has a right to protest within the bounds of the law. If PETA exceeds those bounds, it's the job of law enforcement to prevent the organization from trampling on the rights of others. by CNB