Growing scientific evidence suggests some invertebrates may be sentient, challenging the traditional view that only vertebrates merit welfare consideration.
The question of invertebrate sentience is scientifically live and ethically important. If crabs, shrimp, octopuses and even insects can suffer, the scale of potential welfare concern is enormous given agricultural and fishing use. Precautionary welfare measures appropriate to uncertainty are increasingly advocated. The field is developing rapidly and policy is beginning to respond.