Lake Ridge, Va. –– An annual fishing event will go on despite cries from an animal rights group.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA, says Lake Ridge’s annual “fish out” is in humane.
The neighborhood’s property owners association plans to bring 750 rainbow trout from a hatchery in Goshen in the western Virginia on Friday, drop them in a swimming pool at the Tall Oaks Community Center and let residents fish them out.
The property owners association started the event four years ago and says it’s a great way to bring families together prior to the start of the summer pool season.
“This is a fun event we started after I got an email from a friend in Texas that said they did something similar there, and that we had to check it out. We already do a doggie paddle in the pool, so anyone who knows me knows in not adverse to putting animals in the pool for fun events,” said Shirley Couteau, with the Lake Ridge Property Owners Association.
LRPRA sells bait and rents fishing poles for the family-oriented event, which begins at noon Friday and lasts throughout the weekend.
But PETA has placed the event on its popular action alert website, asking residents to contact the LRPRA and ask them to stop the event.
“What about impaling animals on a metal hook and dragging them into the open air to suffocate says ‘family fun’?” asks PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman in a press release. “With so many other pool activities to choose from, there’s simply no excuse for tormenting fish for entertainment.”
The organization says fish have the ability to communicate and to feel pain, and if dogs and cats were treated in the same manner residents participating in the event would most likely be charged with animal cruelty.
Couteau says the event is a friendly way to introduce people to fishing.
“We respect their opinion, and we’re sorry they decided to pick on us and put us on their radar. But the warm fuzzies we get from the event, seeing families together, outweigh the negatives,” said Couteau.
Recent Stories
What do collective bargaining, backyard chickens, and honey from Liberia House all have in common? They’re just a few of the topics we cover in this fun, freewheeling episode with longtime Manassas advocate and former City Councilwoman Lynn Forkell Greene.
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The Virginia Community College System has appointed Dr. Van Wilson as the interim president of Germanna Community College, effective July 1, 2025. He most recently served as interim president of Brightpoint Community College in Chester, formerly John Tyler Community College.
DALE CITY, Va. – In honor of National Volunteer Month, Dunkin’ showed appreciation for local heroes at the Dale City Volunteer Fire Department by delivering a sweet surprise on Saturday, April 26, 2025.
PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – Former Prince William County School Board member Diane Raulston, who represented the Neabsco District from 2016 to 2023, passed away on April 24, 2025.
Empower Your Future: Leadership, Mentorship, Education, and Networking — Calling middle and high school students for FREE Educational Summer Programming!
LLT STEMpower Camp at Marymount University
Middle School Students | Two Sessions:
July 7–11, 2025
Inspired by local physicians who were among the nation’s first to adopt the concierge medicine model, Northern Virginia is now a hub for its surging popularity. These leading physicians are redefining the patient experience with same-day appointments, direct availability, unhurried visits, and deeply personalized care:
After almost 40 years in practice, Manassas-based Internist John Cary, MD’s change to concierge medicine enabled focused attention for each individual, and the launch of his innovative diet program for those with type 2 diabetes. “The goal is to promote enough weight loss to reach an acceptable A1C of 6% with no medication,” he explains. “Achieving that can take several months of very close follow up. As I tell my patients, we are in this together.”
Jay Tyroler, MD considers his patients quite literally as family. “I believe there’s nothing more honorable than helping patients when they’re sick, or scared, or feeling vulnerable, and I care for them exactly as I would my loved ones.” Whether for a specialist referral, urgent health issue or ongoing follow up, “My patients know I’m always just a phone call away.”
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
Van Metre 5K Run
Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has
