Animal Welfare Group Calls Out Viral “Live Fish Cooking” Content
A viral video showing a vlogger allegedly cooking a live fish has drawn criticism from animal welfare advocates, particularly the Animal Kingdom Foundation through its campaign Better Fish, Tomorrow.
In the video, uploaded on a Monday, fish can be seen still moving and struggling inside a pan placed over heat when the vlogger lifts the lid. The group condemned the act, explaining that it reflects unnecessary suffering and highlights a lack of awareness of animal welfare.
They stressed that fish are capable of feeling pain and attempting to escape, and therefore should be treated humanely even when prepared as food. The organization also urged the public not to support or normalize such content, emphasizing that cruelty should never be turned into entertainment.
The incident sparked mixed reactions online. Some viewers criticized the vlogger for not properly cleaning or preparing the fish before cooking, while others argued that the reaction was exaggerated and depended on cultural context. In many coastal areas in the Philippines, such as Cebu, Palawan, and Aklan, seafood is often cooked immediately after being caught to preserve freshness. This long-standing practice is rooted in practical reasons rather than cruelty, especially in communities that rely heavily on fishing for their livelihood. Before modern refrigeration, preparing food right away was necessary to avoid spoilage, and this habit continues today.
However, others pointed out that even if freshness is valued, there should still be proper and humane methods of preparing fish before cooking. Some suggested educating the public on correct handling techniques to minimize suffering. The discussion also highlighted the need to balance cultural practices with growing awareness of animal welfare. Overall, the issue has opened a broader conversation about responsible content creation, ethical food preparation, and the importance of understanding both tradition and compassion in modern society.