Lobsters and the Law
We are urging the UK Government to stop what we argue are unlawful killing practices of decapod crustaceans.
The Animal Law Foundation has called on the UK government to ensure its policies reflect the animal welfare laws that exist to protect crabs, lobsters and other decapod crustaceans at the time of killing. We will explore legal actions in the event that the widespread killing method of boiling these animals alive continues.
Decapod crustaceans such as lobsters and crabs are sentient animals that feel pain - and this has been recognised by the government, who explicitly included decapod crustaceans in the recent Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022. Boiling these sensitive animals alive is the most common means of killing them, with the science showing that this process lasts some excruciatingly painful minutes.
A recent YouGov poll for The Animal Law Foundation has unveiled a surprising result regarding public sentiment over the treatment of crustaceans. The poll, which surveyed a cross-section of the British public, unveiled that 61% think it 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. This follows a similar poll in February 2022, which found that 61% of respondents would support a ban on the practice.
This resounding consensus is a demand for humane and legal killing practices.
The Welfare at the Time of Killing Regulations 2015, which covers invertebrates, make 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. The government has confirmed that this applies as soon as they are under the control of a person, including in their homes, which is relevant as killing live lobsters in private homes is not uncommon.
Each year, it is estimated that more than 420 million crabs, lobsters, shrimps, and langoustines are caught in the UK.
The UK Government claimed that the recognition of sentience would not change standard industry practices, which The Animal Law Foundation argues is clearly wrong.
The legal action taken by us builds on the progressive step taken by the UK Government and Parliament in recognising the sentience of crustaceans. This pivotal recognition followed the London School of Economics Review of the Evidence of Sentience in Cephalopod Molluscs and Decapod Crustaceans, reaffirming the scientific consensus that crustaceans possess advanced nervous systems capable of sensing and reacting to stimuli. The LSE review also found that boiling these animals alive is not a humane killing method.
"We are heartened by the overwhelming support demonstrated by the British public in favour of humane crustacean treatment," states Sophie Peutrill, Head of Programmes at The Animal Law Foundation. "The law is clear, animals including crabs and lobsters must be spared avoidable pain at the time of killing, the science is clear that this cannot be met by boiling these animals alive. The government needs to ensure that it is doing what it can to regulate the industry to avoid widespread illegality.”
“By ensuring these animals receive suitable protections under the law, we aim to not only to rectify inhumane practices but to usher in a new era of empathy and ethical treatment for these often-overlooked creatures,” says Dr Ben Sturgeon of Crustacean Compassion “the sentience of crustaceans is recognised, we must now embrace higher welfare alternative methods that prioritise their well-being.”
