Lisbeth Koelster, Danish TV Reporter, Convicted For Killing Fish With Shampoo

COPENHAGEN — A Danish TV reporter has been convicted of animal cruelty for killing 12 aquarium fish with shampoo for a consumer affairs show.

The Glostrup City Court says Lisbeth Koelster poured 0.3 fluid ounces (10 milliliter) of a shampoo containing an anti-dandruff substance into a fish tank for a TV program in 2004.

The show on public service broadcaster DR was aimed to expose the toxicity of chemicals used in some hair products.

Three days later, 12 of the 13 guppies in the tank had died.

A veterinarian reported her to the police two days after the show aired, but the case apparently didn't get any priority treatment and was only brought to court last week.

Tuesday's ruling said Koelster knew the fish would die because the experiment was based on a similar laboratory test. The court didn't fine her, however, saying her rights to a speedy trial had been violated.

Comments

[KataVideo]

Another example of Danish tyranny.

[Anyguy]

I kept aquarium fish for a long time, and I was always told that soap of any kind was lethal to fish because it produces a film that interferes with their gills ability to extract oxygen from the water. I don't think it matters what kind of soap they used, it would most likely have had the same effect. Sad for the fish really.

[LMPE]

Wasn't there a better way to show the dangers of shampoo?

[jl4141]

Thos poor, poor sea kittens.

[mi]

have we all forgotten Nemo's time in the tank?
those fish were killed for no good reason, too bad no fine incurred.

[eilish]

There will ever be labs & rats. Reporters and fishing.

[Just2stressed]

Are these people for real?

[LiberalBuzz]

Good, she deserved it.

[skyslimit]

Have I stumbled upon The Onion?

[tokenconservative]

Good.

[blukazoo]

Really!? She shampooed fish? They don't even have hair.

[njb444]

What next, convicting people of animal cruelty for stepping on an ant?

[booboo111]

What ants don't have rights?

[JustMe133]

Wow, if we had strict laws like that here Bush and his cronies would be where they should be, in jail!!

[huntunseasun]

So someone using minnows to fish with is subject to prosecution? Some die during fishing, before introduction to a hook. This is ridiculous. This world makes less and less sense everyday: black is white and white is black.