The UK government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced today that it will be issuing new guidance to prohibit the live boiling of conscious crustaceans like crabs and lobsters. This move, which is part of the Government’s Animal Welfare Strategy, comes as a welcome development for animal welfare organisation Crustacean Compassion.
According to the Animal Welfare Strategy, Defra will be clarifying methods of killing in their animal welfare action plan and specifically acknowledging that live boiling of lobsters and crabs is not an acceptable killing method. This follows years of research, campaigning, and public advocacy by Crustacean Compassion, which has long called for stronger protections for these sentient animals.
Dr Ben Sturgeon, Chief Executive of Crustacean Compassion, expressed his support for the Government’s decision, stating “We wholeheartedly welcome the Government’s intentions to ban the live boiling of conscious crustaceans and address other areas of welfare compromise.” He also emphasized the importance of recognizing the sentience of decapod crustaceans and implementing humane alternatives, such as electrical stunning before slaughter.
The recognition of decapod crustaceans as sentient animals was announced back in 2022, and since then, there has been a growing demand for stronger protections. Both Defra and the seafood industry have been working towards providing humane practices across the supply chain in response to this demand.
Dr Sturgeon further stated, “Today’s announcement shows what’s possible when science, public compassion, and sustained advocacy come together. We’re proud of this achievement and motivated to continue improving protections for crustaceans in other areas.”