Scientific evidence increasingly supports that lobsters and crabs experience pain, challenging common practices including live boiling and prolonged storage.
The welfare of lobsters and crabs has undergone the most rapid reassessment of any animal group in recent regulatory history. What was dismissed as anthropomorphism a decade ago is now backed by sufficiently robust evidence that several jurisdictions have extended legal protections to decapod crustaceans. The evidence base includes neuroanatomical studies identifying crustacean nociceptors, behavioural studies showing prolonged avoidance of injurious stimuli, and physiological evidence of stress responses. The practical implications are significant: live boiling without prior stunning, prolonged live tank storage in cramped conditions, and rough handling during transport all warrant reassessment under this evidence. Alternatives including electrical stunning, chilling, and more rapid slaughter methods are available and can be adopted by industry with appropriate guidance.