Review of the evidence of sentience in cephalopod molluscs and decapod crustaceans

Abstract

This report evaluates the scientific evidence of sentience in cephalopod molluscs (including octopuses, squid and cuttlefish) and decapod crustaceans (including crabs, lobsters and crayfish) based on eight criteria, including the presence of nociceptors, integrative brain regions, and behavioral responses to noxious stimuli and analgesics. The authors conclude that there is very strong evidence of sentience in octopods and strong evidence in true crabs. Based on the evidence they reviewed, the report recommends that all cephalopod molluscs and decapod crustaceans be regarded as sentient animals for the purposes of UK animal welfare law. The report also offers recommendations regarding commercial practices that may pose welfare risks to these animals, including declawing, nicking, the sale of live crustaceans to untrained handlers, and various slaughter methods. They further suggest that effective electrical stunning should be implemented wherever possible and that more research is needed on the welfare needs of decapods and on the development of humane slaughter methods for cephalopods. – AI-generated abstract.