Cephalopods and decapod crustaceans used in scientific research are increasingly covered by welfare legislation following evidence of their capacity to suffer.
The scientific case for invertebrate sentience has strengthened significantly, placing crustaceans and cephalopods in the category of animals whose welfare warrants protection. Research using these animals should apply the 3Rs framework (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) including anaesthesia for painful procedures, minimised holding times, and environmentally enriched housing. The extension of welfare legislation to these groups creates legal requirements for welfare consideration that are improving laboratory practice.