Local Authorities

Do they have Common Sentience or are they In Hot Water?

Pain at the time of killing 

A government commissioned London School of Economics (LSE) Review of the Evidence of Sentience in Cephalopod Molluscs and Decapod Crustaceans revealed that crustaceans are capable of feeling emotions, such as fear and pain. 

Cephalopod Molluscs and Decapod Crustaceans were recognised as sentient under the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022.

Despite evidence of their advanced nervous systems, decapod crustaceans, like lobsters and crabs, are often subject to an incredibly painful and drawn out death. Boiling crustaceans alive is a common practice across the UK and can leave these animals suffering for up to several minutes before they die. Not only does this method of killing cause extensive unnecessary suffering, but we believe it is in contravention of the law. 

Crustacean Protection

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.

Moreover, the person killing these animals must have the knowledge and skill necessary to perform these operations humanely and efficiently.

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

The Role of Local Authorities

Local authorities have the power to create positive changes towards animal welfare where poor welfare practices still exist on a nationwide level. For example, prior to national legislation being passed that prevented wild animals in circuses, over 200 local authorities had policies that prevented the use of wild animals in circuses on land belonging to the local authority.  Some local authorities have also banned the sale of fur, restricted blood sports, and designated areas of protection for migratory species, such as toads. 

Boiling crustaceans alive is a painful and inhumane practice which we believe violates the Welfare of Animals at the Time of Killing Regulations 2015 (WATOK). The UK government needs to enforce these protections. However, as a nation of animal lovers, we don’t have to wait for the government to take action. Local authorities have the power to establish policies that make it clear what its position is, ban the activity from taking place on local authority land, and take enforcement action against those that don’t comply. 

The Animal Law Foundation has requested meetings with local authorities to discuss the legislation that prohibits boiling crustaceans alive as well as the enforcement action that can be taken.

We have already been in contact with Birmingham City Council after we were sent a distressing video of an individual struggling to cook a lobster at home. We have asked the Council to bring enforcement action and are working closely with a councillor. 

Common Sentience or In Hot Water

Based on their role in advancing the animal welfare concerns of citizens, we have reached out to local authorities to exchange ideas on how to transition away from the practice of boiling crustaceans alive. 

We will be separating local authorities into two categories based on their willingness to participate in the welfare of crustaceans at the time of killing. 

You can find out more about our initiative and how you can help here.