In response to the tenacious fabulous work by Crustacean Compassion, the House of Lords in the UK government amended this week (Dec 6, 2021) the Sentience Bill to include crustaceans like lobsters and crabs. This is a giant step towards the issuing of a law that will protect crustaceans from the brutal treatment they are subjected to.
The process has been long and arduous with a lot of waiting. The UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs had commissioned an independent study, looking into whether animals like crabs, lobsters and prawns (decapod crustaceans) are sentient animals and can feel pain.
Crustacean Compassion reports that “an expert team of scientists at London School of Economics reviewed all available evidence, and concluded that crustaceans are capable of feeling pain” and must be protected. GentleWays for OurPlanet never had a moment of doubt that these creatures are sentient beings and deserve being treated with compassion.
We are elated to share that crustaceans are now officially part of the Sentience Bill. The inclusion of these beings in this legislation is ground breaking! “The legal recognition of their sentience will mean their welfare must be considered in policy making decisions and will influence how they are handled and treated”. At the moment, in most parts of the world, crustaceans are boiled alive, chopped up alive, and sent live in the post… These inhumane practices must stop.
Gentleways for OurPlanet celebrates this historic achievement and expresses its most sincere gratitude to Crustaceans Compassion @crab_welfare. We hope that the next stage of this Bill – going through the House of Commons – will be successful and that we will have a law soon.