PETA Makes Bid to Preserve Lighthouse

Will Turn the Cleveland East Ledge Light into Fish Empathy Headquarters

On Monday, PETA formally expressed interest in the Cleveland East Ledge Light, which is being offered by the GSA (General Services Administration) to non-profits and other suitable applicants willing to take on preserving the 60-year-old landmark. The Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000 allows for qualified non-profit organizations to take control of such lighthouses for free. PETA plans to make the lighthouse home to their Fish Empathy Project, a campaign educating people about the cruelty of fishing and confining fish in aquariums.

The Cleveland East Ledge Light is located in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, and is named for president Grover Cleveland. President Cleveland frequented the area to fish during his time in the White House. It was the last lighthouse commissioned in New England, and it's purpose was to guide shipping traffic into the Cape Cod Canal. The lighthouse is currently closed to the public.

PETA's proposed renovations of the lighthouse include a vegan cafe serving faux fish sticks and other mock seafoods. A 300-square-foot Fish Empathy Quilt illustrating the importance of compassion to fish will be displayed. PETA volunteers created the 100 square quilt to pay tribute to countless fish that are being caught for food and sport each year. Interactive educational displays will be installed to teach the public about fish biology, intelligence and the pain that's caused by fishing.

In their letter to the GSA, Matt Prescott, Manager of Vegan Campaigns, states the goal of the Fish Empathy Project is to increase "society's respect and compassion for sea animals". PETA believes the Cleveland East Ledge Light is the ideal location for this project's headquarters given all the years the 50-foot lighthouse protected the public at sea.