Scientists change minds, decide that fish can't feel pain

You can sleep a little easier, Bassmasters: Researchers now say that fish cannot feel pain, even when they've been snagged by a hook. The study authors have surmised that when a fish thrashes after being hooked, it's an unconscious reaction, not a response to pain. Although fish have sensory receptors that, in humans, indicate feeling pain, our finned friends don't have the brainpower to "experience [pain] in any meaningful way." In this study, trout that were hooked and released quickly went back to feeding (or looking for food) which would not have been the expected response if they were in pain. Animal rights groups, however, say this doesn't change their opinion that fish would say "ouch!" if they could. [Source]

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