The British government has extended the scope of its Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill to recognise lobsters, octopus and crabs and all other decapod crustaceans and cephalopod molluscs as sentient beings.
Sentiency is the ability to feel, perceive or be conscious, or to have subjective experiences. Biological science and common sense support the fact that the animals who share our lives are feeling, sensing beings that deserve thoughtful, high-quality care.
The move follows the findings of a United Kingdom government-commissioned independent review by the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) which concluded there is strong scientific evidence decapod crustaceans and cephalopod molluscs are sentient.
The country's Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill already recognises all animals with a backbone (vertebrates) as sentient beings. However, unlike some other invertebrates (animals without a backbone), decapod crustaceans and cephalopods have complex central nervous systems, one of the key hallmarks of sentience.
Friday's announcement will not affect any existing legislation or industry practices such as fishing in the country. The Boris Johnson government said that there will be no direct impact on the shellfish catching or restaurant industry. Instead, it is designed to ensure animal welfare is well considered in future decision-making.
"The Animal Welfare Sentience Bill provides a crucial assurance that animal wellbeing is rightly considered when developing new laws. The science is now clear that crustaceans and molluscs can feel pain and therefore it is only right they are covered by this vital piece of legislation," said Zac Goldsmith, UK's Animal Welfare Minister.
The Bill, when it becomes law, will establish an Animal Sentience Committee made up of experts from within the field. They will be able to issue reports on how well government decisions have taken account of the welfare of sentient animals with Ministers needing to respond to Parliament.
