Let’s end the suffering of lobsters, crabs and spiny lobsters

According to a report by the London School of Economics and Political Science, published in November 2021 — which reviewed more than 300 studies on the subject — decapod crustaceans (crustaceans of the order Decapoda, which have ten legs) are sentient beings, capable of experiencing feelings including pain and suffering. On the basis of that scientific evidence, decapod crustaceans were included in the United Kingdom among the animal species recognised as sentient beings by the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022. The British Veterinary Association also calls for only humane killing methods to be used on these animals. Several countries around the world — including Switzerland, Austria, Norway, New Zealand and some Australian states and territories — have likewise implemented rules to protect these animals.

There is now a high degree of consensus in the scientific community on the capacity of decapod crustaceans to feel pain. This is supported by numerous studies on these animals’ nervous system, behaviour and stress responses, which satisfy 14 of the 17 pain criteria proposed in the study Defining and assessing animal pain by Sneddon and co-authors. The result is significant, considering that the three unmet criteria have never been tested on decapod crustaceans. It can therefore be assumed that these animals feel pain — calling into question many of the practices they are routinely subjected to.

In Europe, only Switzerland, Austria and Norway have specific national rules on the treatment of decapod crustaceans. The adoption of a law setting standards for the proper capture, handling, transport, storage and killing of these animals in Italy could bring about major change in Europe, prompting other nations to introduce adequate rules for their treatment.