The case for the legal protection of decapod crustaceans

Abstract

Decapod crustaceans, such as crabs and lobsters, are excluded from the protections offered by animal welfare legislation in many countries, including the United Kingdom. This report argues that there is now ample scientific evidence to suggest that decapod crustaceans are sentient and capable of experiencing pain and suffering. If so, legal protection is needed to prevent them from suffering. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) acknowledged the scientific evidence of decapod sen sentience in 2005, and the findings of various studies since then have only been more compelling. In the United Kingdom, the Animal Welfare Act can be expanded to include these protections, should scientific evidence suggest that a particular group of animals is capable of experiencing pain and suffering. The report further suggests practically and economically viable solutions for the humane treatment of decapods during storage, transportation, and killing, such as using electrical stunning, chilling, or mechanical methods. – AI-generated abstract.