Information for Journalists
This page contains useful information about decapod crustacean welfare and Crustacean Compassion’s work.
If you are a member of the press and can’t find what you’re looking for, or require any additional information, please contact our team at info@crustaceancompassion.org
Facts and Figures
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Over 420 million crabs, lobsters, prawns and nephrops (scampi) are landed in the UK every year for the food industry, that is over a million animals a day!
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Decapod crustaceans are animals like crabs, lobsters and crabs.
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Decapod crustaceans are sentient animals, meaning they can experience pain, pleasure, fear and joy.
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Decapod Crustaceans were legally recognised as being sentient beings, with the passing of The Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022, however they have little to no protection.
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Decapod crustaceans in the UK can still be boiled, frozen and sold alive to members of the public, with no training or authorisation required.
Position Statement
We have established a series of position statements on decapod crustacean welfare, offering guidance for various stakeholders, including supporters, industry, and retailers.
Notes to Editors
Crustacean Compassion is the leading Not-for-profit animal welfare organisation, campaigning for the humane treatment and legal protection of animals like crabs lobsters and prawns (decapod crustaceans).
Crustacean Compassion engages with legislators and policy makers to strengthen and enforce animal welfare law and policy; work to persuade and enable companies to sell higher welfare products across their shellfish product ranges; and seek to educate both the public and policy makers on the science of decapod crustacean sentience and on their humane treatment and care.
Crustacean Compassion’s work is grounded in scientific evidence and does not campaign against the use of decapod crustaceans as food, rather welcome good practice in the food industry and believe that all sentient creatures deserve humane treatment, determined by the needs of their species.