Document type: published in RSE Magazine
Author: Clément Prat
Preview: This bill was prompted by the realization that crustaceans feel pain. This long-debated point was settled by a report published by the London School of Economics in 2021, which confirmed that decapods (lobsters, crabs, crayfish, etc.) and cephalopods (octopuses, squids) have nociceptors, i.e., pain receptors. In 2022, the UK Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act formalized this recognition, confirms La Dépêche. The text currently being drafted now aims to ban methods deemed cruel, foremost among which is the scalding of live crustaceans.
A deadline set for 2030
The Labour government plans to implement this ban within four years. It will apply to all species already recognized as sentient: crabs, lobsters, shrimp, crayfish, octopus, etc. The future law would place the United Kingdom alongside countries such as Switzerland, Norway, Austria, and New Zealand, where this type of cooking is already prohibited.
Electrocution as an alternative, but at what cost?
In response to this ban, alternative slaughter methods are being discussed. One of the most talked about is electrocution, which is seen as more humane because it neutralizes the animal before cooking. But this technique comes at a cost: around €4,000 for a dedicated device, which is making some London restaurateurs cringe.
Opinions are divided among fishmongers: some welcome the measure as an ethical step forward, while others point to the complexity of its application in supply chains and professional kitchens.
A broader project for animals
The upcoming legislation is not limited to shellfish. It is part of a comprehensive reform aimed at strengthening the protection of farm animals and pets. Among the measures announced are a ban on "puppy mills," the fight against cruel breeding practices, and stricter regulations on hunting with hounds.
