Invertebrates

Snail and Slug Welfare Considerations

Snails and slugs are routinely killed in large numbers using pesticides and physical means in gardens and agriculture, with uncertain but potentially relevant welfare implications.

Key Facts

Snails have basic nervous systems capable of detecting and responding to harmful stimuli
They show learning and associative conditioning in laboratory settings
Metaldehyde slug pellets cause convulsions and desiccation before death
Ferric phosphate pellets cause cessation of feeding and apparently more peaceful death
Physical methods including salt cause osmotic shock and significant distress

Welfare Considerations

The welfare status of snails and slugs is uncertain but they demonstrably respond to noxious stimuli in ways consistent with pain-like experiences. Given uncertainty, choosing killing methods that appear less aversive and less prolonged reflects a precautionary welfare approach. Ferric phosphate pellets and physical crushing are preferable to metaldehyde and salt respectively. Reducing snail and slug killing through habitat management is the highest-welfare approach.

What You Can Do

Switch from metaldehyde to ferric phosphate slug pellets
Avoid using salt which causes slow and aversive death
Encourage natural predators including hedgehogs and ground beetles
Use copper tape and physical barriers to reduce garden access
Consider allowing some pest damage to reduce overall killing