Growing scientific evidence suggests that decapod crustaceans, cephalopods, and other aquatic invertebrates possess the capacity for pain and negative experiences, challenging their exclusion from welfare protections in most jurisdictions.
The extension of sentience recognition to decapod crustaceans and cephalopods in UK law represents a significant advance in animal welfare, though it has yet to translate into specific protection standards. Boiling crustaceans alive, a common practice, likely causes significant suffering if these animals experience pain. Welfare-conscious alternatives including electrical stunning before killing exist and are used by some commercial producers and restaurants. The scale of crustacean consumption globally means even modest improvements in killing methods could affect enormous numbers of animals.