Scorpions are kept as pets and harvested for venom in the pharmaceutical industry, with welfare considerations emerging alongside growing evidence of their sensory capabilities.
Venom extraction via electrostimulation causes detectable stress responses in scorpions. The welfare of scorpions in large-scale venom farms is not regulated. Captive scorpions need appropriate thermal gradients, hides and prey items. Their sensory complexity suggests they deserve precautionary welfare consideration even absent definitive sentience evidence.