Local Authorities

PAIN AT THE TIME OF KILLING

A London School of Economics (LSE) review, commissioned by the government, provided compelling evidence that decapod crustaceans and cephalopod molluscs are sentient animals capable of experiencing emotions such as fear, stress and pain. This scientific advancement was reflected in the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022, which recognises these animals as sentient.

Despite this recognition and their complex nervous systems, decapod crustaceans, like lobsters and crabs, continue to endure painful and prolonged deaths. A common practice in the UK is to boil these animals alive, which causes them to experience significant suffering until death. This killing method may cause a very slow death and last up to several minutes. This not only causes unnecessary pain, but it also violates the very laws designed to protect these animals.

Decapod crustaceans are protected under the Welfare of Animals at the Time of Killing Regulations 2015 (WATOK). 

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.

We believe this categorically bans the practice of boiling lobsters and crabs alive.

The Power of Local Authorities 🦀

Local authorities act as a crucial layer of enforcement. Under the Welfare of Animals at the Time of Killing Regulations 2015, local authorities may appoint inspectors for the purpose of enforcement and may prosecute any offence that contravenes these regulations.

Local authorities can also influence national policy by passing stricter animal welfare regulations in their jurisdictions. For example, Brighton and Hove famously banned wild animals in travelling circuses in 2018 on public land, citing concerns about animal cruelty. This local initiative gained national attention and placed pressure on the government, influencing future national legislation to also ban wild animals in circuses. Similarly, several local authorities in the UK have taken the initiative to ban fur sales within their areas, further demonstrating the power these bodies hold to raise the bar for animal welfare standards. 

While national legislation sets the baseline, local authorities can serve as powerful advocates for animal welfare. Their ability to enact stricter bylaws better reflect the views of citizens within their jurisdictions and serve as role models for other local authorities. Brighton and Hove’s circus ban, for instance, was more than just a local stance- it ignited national conversations around the issue and paved the way for future bans. They reflect the public’s evolving expectations for animal welfare. With their close proximity to communities, local authorities can gauge public sentiment and act as a catalyst for change. Ultimately, local authorities have the power to influence national policy and better reflect the values of society. 

Common Sentience vs. In Hot Water

Given the powerful role local authorities play in advancing the animal welfare concerns of citizens, we are calling on them to open a dialogue on the inhumane practice of boiling crustaceans alive. 

Based on the results of our Yougov poll,  61% of the British public think it is unacceptable to cook decapod crustaceans (such as crabs and lobsters) by boiling them alive. This increased to 78% when asked to consider if the decapod crustaceans could feel pain during the process.

The public believes crustaceans should be spared unnecessary suffering at the time of death and part of the responsibility lies with local authorities to implement policies that reflect this view. We have written to local authorities requesting the chance to discuss this important issue and review possibilities for collaboration. 

We will remind local authorities of their various powers, including

  • Their power to enforce the law

  • Their power to take a policy position that the practice of boiling lobsters is illegal

  • Their power to prevent the selling or killing of live crabs and lobsters on their land

Local authorities will be separated into two categories based on their willingness to participate in the welfare of crustaceans at the time of killing. Those with ‘common sentience’ will receive our stamp of approval based on their willingness to collaborate on this issue. On the other hand, those ‘in hot water’ have demonstrated that they are not interested or reluctant to engage on this topic.

Stay tuned for updates in this space!

TAKE ACTION NOW

Your support is crucial in achieving our goals. Take action now to call on your local authority to prioritise the protection of decapod crustaceans at the time of killing.

You can download a letter here that you can then either post or email to your local authority.