Abstract
Simple SummaryDecapods respond to noxious stimuli in ways that are consistent with the experience of pain; thus, we accept the need to provide a legal framework for their protection when they are used for human food. We review the main methods used to slaughter the major decapod crustaceans, highlighting problems posed by each method for animal welfare. The aim is to identify methods that are the least likely to cause suffering. These methods can then be recommended, whereas other methods that are more likely to cause suffering may be banned. We thus request changes in the legal status of this group of animals, to protect them from slaughter techniques that are not viewed as being acceptable.Vast numbers of crustaceans are produced by aquaculture and caught in fisheries to meet the increasing demand for seafood and freshwater crustaceans. Simultaneously, the public is increasingly concerned about current methods employed in their handling and killing. Recent evidence has shown that decapod crustaceans probably have the capacity to suffer because they show responses consistent with pain and have a relatively complex cognitive capacity. For these reasons, they should receive protection. Despite the large numbers of crustaceans transported and slaughtered, legislation protecting their welfare, by using agreed, standardized methods, is lacking. We review various stunning and killing systems proposed for crustaceans, and assess welfare concerns. We suggest the use of methods least likely to cause suffering and call for the implementation of welfare guidelines covering the slaughter of these economically important animals.
Highlights
Global use of decapod crustaceans for human consumption is growing
We review slaughter and stunning methods for decapods and, suggest ways that these animals might be protected from inhumane methods to better protect their welfare
Decapods are currently excluded from UK animal welfare legislation, meaning that retailers, processors, and consumers are under no obligation to consider their welfare during storage, handling, or slaughter
Summary
Global use of decapod crustaceans (such as lobsters, prawns, crayfish and crabs) for human consumption is growing. Crayfish subjected to repeated electric shocks subsequently show signs of anxiety and avoid brightly lit areas; avoidance is reduced if they are given a drug designed to reduce anxiety in humans [35,36] These studies are all consistent with the experience of pain. Stress releases the crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (CHH), which has broadly similar effects to those adrenal hormones in vertebrates [10], or by releasing biogenic amines such as epinephrine and serotonin [38,39] Rapid stress responses, such as elevated lactate, glucose, and muscular glycogen mobilisation, are seen in edible crabs that have a claw forcefully removed, as in fishery practice, which causes tissue damage [40]. Whilst we accept that some doubt must remain, we accept that the detailed studies cited above make it possible that decapods experience pain and they should be treated in a humane manner
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