Growing scientific evidence for pain and distress in decapod crustaceans has prompted regulatory changes and public debate about the welfare implications of boiling live lobsters and crabs.
The welfare of lobsters, crabs, and other decapod crustaceans at slaughter has moved from philosophical curiosity to legislative priority as evidence for their sentience has strengthened. Boiling live crustaceans without prior stunning is likely to cause significant suffering based on current understanding of their nociceptive systems. Electrical stunning renders the animal insensible before killing and is commercially feasible. The shift in UK law to recognize crustacean sentience represents a significant step, but welfare standards for their slaughter remain inconsistent across the industry.