Protect Crabs in Labs
Crabs. Lobsters. Prawns. Sentient — but unprotected in UK labs
Crabs, lobsters, and prawns are sentient animals - capable of feeling pain and suffering - and in 2022, UK law recognised this. But shockingly, they are still not protected under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (known as ASPA),
the law that regulates how animals are used in research.
This means decapods can be used in UK laboratories without any legal safeguards:
no ethical review, no licensing, no welfare standards, and no accountability.
30,000 animals used, zero protection
Nearly 30,000 have been used in experiments since 2018 - all without protection.
We’re calling on the Home Office to close this loophole and include decapods in ASPA now. It's time to bring the law in line with science, compassion, and public expectation.
Take action today, with your help
we can protect #CrabsInLabs
Tell Your MP
Crabs, lobsters, and prawns are recognised as sentient - but still have no legal protection in UK labs.
Despite being able to feel pain, they’re the only sentient animals used in experiments without welfare oversight.
Urge your MP to call on the Home Office to amend the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act and protect #CrabsInLabs.
