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Gove urged to recognise sentience of decapod crustaceans
An EU panel has stated that many of the methods of slaughtering decapods are inhumane.
Calls to legally protect welfare of lobsters and other decapods   

A letter signed by more than 50 high profile campaigners is urging Michael Gove to include decapod crustaceans in animal welfare laws.

There is currently no legal requirement for food processors, supermarkets or restaurants to consider the welfare of decapods including lobsters, crabs, prawns, crayfish and shrimp. Yet a body of scientific evidence has emerged over the past decade that strongly suggests they are capable of experiencing pain.

Campaigners are calling on the government to recognise them as sentient beings, including them in the definition of ‘animal’ in the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and the Animal Welfare Bill (Sentencing and Recognition of Sentience).

The letter to environment secretary Michael Gove has been signed by animal welfare experts, vets, celebrities such as Chris Packham and Bill Bailey and veterinary organisations including the BVA, AWF, British Veterinary Zoological Society and the Fish Veterinary Society. A petition on Change.org has garnered more than 22,000 signatures.

Crustacean Compassion, which co-ordinated the letter, says decapods are often crammed together in unsuitably bright tanks with no consideration for their welfare and are frequently sold live to the consumer for amateur home storage and killing. Live crabs have also been seen on sale, completely immobilised by shrink-wrap. Authorities were powerless to prosecute, however, as crabs are not covered by the legislation.

An EU panel has stated that many of the methods of slaughtering decapods are inhumane. Boiling alive is a common slaughter method but research suggests edible crabs may remain conscious for at least three minutes after being dropped into boiling water. Furthermore the legs, head or tail are often broken off before killing.

Decapod research has shown evidence of pain experience including avoidance learning, rapid behaviour change, prolonged rubbing of affected areas, laying down of memories and motivational trade-offs. These animals are already protected under animal welfare laws in Norway, Switzerland, Austria, New Zealand and some Australian states and territories, as well as some parts of Germany and Italy.

Including these animals in UK welfare legislation would mean that anyone farming, storing, or slaughtering them would be required to meet their basic welfare needs, which includes providing enough food, decent water quality, protection from pain and suffering and humane slaughter.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.