Montauban. Paz denounces the sale of live fish at Decathlon

This is nothing new but a booster shot doesn't hurt. Yesterday morning, some activists and supporters of the Paz association carried out a towing operation in front of the Decathlon brand in the Albasud area.

By this action they meant to denounce the sale of live fish and crabs in the fishing section of the store. “The Decathlon of Montauban is one of the stores which has aquariums with live fish. This morning, there were two aquariums, one of which was filled with fish. In addition to being transported in plastic bags, they are harpooned alive for live fishing which is an extremely cruel technique which consists of using them as bait by piercing their body with a hook. However, there are alternatives with the lure technique. They are sold for a few cents to be then. tortured”, deplores Pauline Di Nicolantonio, of the Paz association.

In July 2023, a customer of the brand launched a petition to denounce this practice. 33,000 people had signed their signature, proof that the subject mobilizes people. “Décathlon France has not given any national instructions, but certain stores have decided to stop selling live fish, continues the activist from Paz. This is the case in Foix (Ariège), Carcassonne (Aude) or Bordeaux- Bègles (Gironde) for example.”

“Livefishing is not a sport”

Another Paz supporter is equally critical. “Décathlon is a well-established brand that wants to convey a young and dynamic image. The sections dedicated to fishing are located at the back of the store and many customers do not know that Decathlon sells live fish. We are not not in a pet store, livefishing is not a sport.”

Beyond the problem with the Decathlon group, the Paz association intends to ban live fishing nationally. “Countries like Germany, Scotland and Switzerland have passed a law to this effect.”

The Decathlon press service gave its position. “For several years, Decathlon has been engaged in the research, development and sale of high-quality lures, offering increasingly effective alternatives to the traditional practice of bait fishing. To be sustainably anchored in practices, we We are convinced that this transition requires a progressive and educational approach Regarding crab fishing, which is a regulated practice and which is practiced by the sea, Decathlon markets these baits in some of its stores to meet local demand and has hired. , in parallel, an innovation approach for a transition towards natural foods without impact on biodiversity.”