Yup, that's bad...in my view...
I think censorship of lawful activity is dangerous. If you don't like Maplethorpe, don't look at his stuff. Here's the thing, Eric, I suspect that in terms of notions of what behaviors are offensive, etc., you and I don't have much disagreement. I think the disagreement comes from the proposition of sanctioning intervention and censorship - you know, the hobnail boot on the neck.
I happen to think that writings, movies and art that provoke can serve an important purpose and I am sure not going to be the one who says what can pass and what cannot. While getting rough with a handful of goldfish may seem reprehensible to you, another person, like Mr. Ma, might see a different meaning. And another person might find it offensive to place butterflys on a pin. I find Ted Nugent's glorification of a kill to be over the top reprehensible - but I would never think his filming and commenting on the activity should be censored.
BTW, does anyone know how the goldfish faired? I saw no blood or signs of damage. Was it actually worse then the tumbling salmon take?