Sarah Palin outrages US animal rights group by clubbing fish to death

SYDNEY - Former Alaska governor Sarah Palin has come under fire after she was filmed clubbing a fish to death, then holding its still-beating heart in her hands for television cameras.

Palin, 46, and her daughter Bristol were featured on a halibut fishing excursion for the ex-vice-presidential nominee’s new reality TV show ‘Sarah Palin’s Alaska’.

Halibut clubbing is standard practice among anglers, but Palin’s apparent relish in the animal’s suffering has outraged US animal rights advocates In Defence of Animals.

The group claims the scene is “a snuff video” and says her lack of compassion is disgusting, particularly her lack of remorse.

“Most disturbing is the way she seems to enjoy causing suffering to other beings,” the Sydney Morning Herald quoted a spokesperson as saying.

But the Alaska Charter Association, a recreational halibut fishing group, claims the clubbing technique is “humane”, as it aims to “minimise the suffering of the fish”.

During the episode, Palin explains why clubbing halibut to death is necessary.

“Stunning the halibut may seem a bit harsh to some but it’s the safest and most humane way to harvest these massive fish,” she stated. (ANI)