Hobby fishermen torment giant catfish: Punished
The catfish pulled from Lake Greifensee by two hobby fishermen measured 2.2 metres in length. Their methods were illegal, says a Zurich judicial authority.
The catching story of the two hobby fishermen was widely discussed in the media and sparked a controversial debate about the handling of large fish and the protection of wildlife.
The legally binding penalty orders issued by the See/Oberland Public Prosecutor's Office establish that their conduct in catching the 2.2-metre catfish was deemed inappropriate under animal welfare law.
They dragged the animal behind their boat across Lake Greifensee for hours and staged a “photo session” on the lakeshore with the “trophy fish”.
The penalty orders found that the fishermen were not adequately equipped to stun and kill an animal of this size. Instead, they tied the catfish to the boat with a rope and forced it to swim alongside for several hours, exhausted and severely stressed. The animal cruelty and violation of the Animal Welfare Act resulted in suspended fines and penalties for both men.
They must now pay for their actions: both receive a suspended fine of 30 daily penalty units. Due to differing financial circumstances, one hobby fisherman was handed a daily rate of 30 Swiss francs, while the other must pay a daily rate of 130 Swiss francs. In addition, both face procedural costs of 800 Swiss francs each, as well as fines of 1,200 Swiss francs and 500 Swiss francs respectively. A criminal record entry has also been issued. The penalty orders were not contested and are therefore legally binding.
It is emphasized that caught fish must either be released immediately or killed using a method that complies with animal welfare standards. Releasing a caught fish, also known as «Catch and Release», is not prohibited in all cases in Switzerland, but certain criteria must be met. However, the two hobby anglers were under the mistaken assumption that Catch and Release was generally prohibited, writes the nzz.ch.
This case highlights the necessity of informing oneself sufficiently in advance about the applicable laws and regulations, particularly when it comes to the handling of animals. Animal welfare and respectful treatment of nature should always be the top priority in order to ensure the well-being of animals.
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