Signal crayfish and other species are increasingly farmed for food. As with other invertebrates, their capacity to suffer is debated but evidence supports precautionary welfare measures in commercial production.
The evidence base for crayfish sentience and capacity to suffer is growing, with studies demonstrating nociception, avoidance learning, and physiological stress responses. While regulatory frameworks have been slow to catch up, the precautionary principle supports adopting humane handling and slaughter practices in commercial crayfish production. Chilling before slaughter reduces activity and may reduce suffering. High-welfare crayfish farming standards remain underdeveloped globally, presenting an opportunity for proactive industry leadership.