Animal Group Wants License Revoked In Fishing Rod Attack Case

VERNON, CT — Saying, "fishing rods can be deadly weapons and shouldn't be used against humans or aquatic animals," an animal rights advocacy group has asked state officials to revoke the fishing license of the man accused of attacking others with angling equipment at a Vernon bus stop.

In a letter sent to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Katie Dykes Dated Oct. 19, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals President Ingrid Newkirk made the demand.

An accompanying statement said, "A fishing rod — even when used for its intended purpose — is a weapon that can harm and kill living beings and PETA is asking officials either to revoke the attacker's fishing license if he has one or, should he apply for one in the future, deny his application."

At 5:41 p.m. on Oct. 6, several officers were called to the bus stop near Stop & Shop off Pitkin Street in Vernon, according to a police report.

Several witnesses said a man, later identified as 43-year-old Michel Murphree of Vernon, had been striking another man with a fishing rod, a report indicates. Witnesses then said he threw a fishing reel at a woman while using a racial slur, a report indicates. The woman ducked out of the way, according to a report.

Murphree then head-butted a Vernon police cruiser and damaged the vehicle, according to a report.

He was was charged with first-degree intimidation due to bias, third-degree criminal mischief and second-degree breach of peace and is due back in court on Nov. 18, records show.

A DEEP spokeswoman has not responded to a request for comment. Vernon police are not commenting on the investigation, citing its ongoing nature.

Here is PETA's letter in full:

Dear Ms. Dykes,

I'm writing on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) regarding reports that Vernon resident Michel Murphree has been charged with striking someone with a fishing rod at a bus stop. We urge you to revoke his fishing license, if he has one, or prohibit him from ever obtaining one, if he doesn’t, in order to discourage him from further abusing humans, fish, or other animals.

Fishing rods are deadly weapons. Whether people like to think about it or not, all fish are sentient beings who feel fear and pain—especially when hooked through their sensitive mouth, which has many nerve endings. It's impossible to ignore that there’s something barbaric about actively hooking fish, suffocating them, and gutting them while they’re still alive. Even when they’re tossed back, most of them still die slowly and painfully from their injuries and stress.

Fishing doesn’t just hurt fish. Every year, anglers worldwide leave behind a trail of victims that includes millions of birds, turtles, and other animals who sustain debilitating injuries after swallowing fishhooks. Lost or abandoned fishing gear also damages marine habitats and entangles marine animals, leading to injury, illness, suffocation, starvation, and death.

In light of the global pandemic and growing awareness of inequality, we are all examining our impact on society and asking how we can be more empathetic. This societal reckoning must include consideration of all the ways in which animals are violated. Fishing is not a sport—it's animal abuse. I hope you’ll reflect on our request. Thank you.

Very truly yours,

Ingrid E. Newkirk

(PETA) President