It's Not OK to Boil Animals Alive

  • by: Audry M
  • recipient: Defra, UK Government

Imagine this. You are just minding your own business, looking out the window, talking to your friends about the passersby when all of a sudden someone snatches you from your tank. Within seconds you are plunged into the scalding hot water. You are in excruciating pain until, however long it takes, you die.

This is what happens to millions of lobsters and crabs every year. All so we can have a bite to eat.

For years, the practice of boiling or cutting up live lobsters and other crustaceans was considered acceptable. It was never challenged because it was thought that lobsters and crabs weren't sentient and couldn't feel pain. However, recent studies show that they can. Scientists have even proven they fulfilled 14 of the 16 scientific measures for experiencing pain. Tests for the two remaining measures have yet to be conducted.

Humane-minded people would not accept other food providing animals to be boiled alive and they should no longer accept it for decapods — the order of crustaceans such as lobsters and crabs.

This year, Switzerland became the first country to ban cruelty towards decapods. According to the new law "Live crustaceans, including the lobster, may no longer be transported on ice or in ice water. Aquatic species must always be kept in their natural environment" and "crustaceans must now be stunned before they are killed."

Now animal activists in the UK are also fighting to end the practice. They want to make sure Minister May keeps her word to make the UK the world leader in the world leader in the care and protection of animals. Banning the brutal way we kill crustaceans moves us one step closer to fulfilling that promise.

If you believe that all animals no matter how they look deserve to be treated humanely then add your name to this petition and tell the UK Government to ban live crustacean boiling.

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