Call for crabbing to stop as creatures 'feel pain'

Holidaymakers in Cornwall have been urged to rethink crabbing after a survey found only 45% of people believed the crustaceans were sentient.

The RSPCA said the result, recorded in its Animal Kindness Index, highlighted the need for greater awareness and compassion towards aquatic life.

The charity said scientific evidence showed decapod crustaceans - including crabs, lobsters and prawns - were sentient and capable of feeling pain, distress and even positive emotions.

Cornwall Wildlife Trust said crabbing had an important place in giving people "an appreciation and an understanding of marine wildlife", but people should treat the animals carefully.

Jenny Longden, from the RSPCA, said public opinion and lack of awareness towards the feelings of the animals was "astounding".

She said: "We understand people like to go out and enjoy these past times. We don't want to be party-poopers, but does that necessarily have to happen?

"Do we need to take these animals out of their environment, put them in a bucket, possibly prod them, poke them?

"We don't know what they're going through. We can enjoy these animals in other ways."

Mevagissey Harbour Master Andrew Trevarton said crabbing was an "integral part" of the village's heritage.

"It's a very special part of people's holiday that, when they return as they grow up, they bring their children, and it's been going on decades and decades."

Matt Slater, a marine conservation officer with Cornwall Wildlife Trust said the evidence that crabs and fish were sentient had to be respected.

Slater said: "I think it needs to be done very carefully and we need to raise awareness.

"We need to treat these animals with respect when we take them out of the marine environment. We need to put them into nice cold sea water - keep that bucket in the shade, don't put that many crabs in the bucket and return them safely too.

"If you treat the animals with respect, my feeling is crabbing should continue - but we do need to raise people's awareness."

Although fish and decapod crustaceans have some recognition in law - including the Animal Sentience Act 2022, which establishes a committee to ensure UK government policy is cognisant of animal sentience - they are not protected by the Animal Welfare Act 2006, which ensures many other sentient animals avoid harm.

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