PAIN AT THE
TIME OF KILLING
PROTECT CRUSTACEANS AT TIME OF KILLING
You can sign our petition by filling in the action form.
Decapod crustaceans - such as lobsters and crabs - are sentient invertebrate animals capable of experiencing emotions, pain and suffering. Yet these sensitive animals regularly experience prolonged and painful deaths in the UK, such as being boiled alive whilst completely conscious, which can take many agonising minutes to die.
At The Animal Law Foundation, we believe that these prolonged and painful deaths are contrary to the law and that safer and faster killing methods exist. We have outlined this in our legal letter to the government, calling on them to immediately enforce the Welfare of Animals at the Time of Killing Regulations 2015 (WATOK or Welfare at the Time of Killing Regulations 2015) for decapod crustaceans, along with publishing specific guidance that outlines legally compliant higher welfare killing methods for decapod crustaceans.
We are also calling on the government to remove any misleading statements. For example when these animals were recognised as sentient by the government, it claimed that industry practices would not be affected. We do not agree with this position - not only does the law require the change, the recognition of their sentience should demand it.
This is all in the context of our recent YouGov poll which unveiled that 61% of the British public think it is unacceptable to cook decapod crustaceans (such as crabs and lobsters) by boiling them while still alive. This increased to 78% of Brits when they were asked to consider if the decapod crustaceans could feel pain during the process - which scientific consensus confirms they do. You can view the results in full here.
It's time to hold the government to account and make sure that it ensures the end of these dated and cruel practices. Join us by signing our petition to the government to demand guidance on the killing of crustaceans and the proper implementation of the law towards less harmful practices.
LEGAL PROTECTIONS FOR CRUSTACEANS
The Welfare of Animals at the Time of Killing Regulations 2015 makes it an offence to restrain, stun or kill applicable animals in a way that may:
a) Cause any avoidable pain, distress or suffering to that animal; or
b) Permit that animal to sustain any avoidable pain, distress or suffering.
Moreover, the person killing these animals must have the knowledge and skill necessary to perform these operations humanely and efficiently.
Considerable scientific research, consolidated in the government commissioned London School of Economics (LSE) Review of the Evidence of Sentience in Cephalopod Molluscs and Decapod Crustaceans, highlights the advanced nervous systems of crustaceans, their sentience and their need for legal protection. These nervous systems enable them to feel pain, distress, and fear – sensations that are heightened when subjected to the agonising process of being boiled alive.
Alternative, safer killing methods exist, which would avoid a significant amount of the suffering. Lobsters and other decapod crustaceans can be electronically stunned and cut in a way to mechanically destroy their nervous system before being killed or cooked.
Decapods crustaceans are recognised as sentient under the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022. Relevant guidance would help inform the industry on legally compliant safer and faster killing methods for these deserving animals.
TAKE ACTION NOW
Your support is crucial in achieving our goals. Take action now to urge the UK Government to prioritise animal welfare and protect decapod crustaceans at the time of killing.
You can also engage with your local Member of Parliament, urging them to place additional pressure on Defra to make these important changes. You can download the letter on the action page that you can then either post or email to your MP.
You can take these actions by filling in the action form.
You can also support the complimentary work of Crustacean Compassion to ‘Close the Loophole’ and include decapod crustaceans in the Animal Welfare Act 2006 here.
Each year, more than 420 million crabs, lobsters, shrimps, and langoustines are caught in the UK.
Decapod crustaceans, often overlooked in discussions about animal welfare, deserve our empathy and protection. As a society that values compassion and the ethical treatment of animals, we cannot turn a blind eye to their prolific suffering. By signing this petition, you're adding your voice to the call for change, urging the government to implement explicit guidelines for legally compliant killing methods for decapod crustaceans.
Let's replace pain with welfare and ensure that no sentient being has to endure prolonged and unnecessary suffering.