Report live sales of crustaceans

If you have seen live crabs, lobsters or any other decapod crustacean for sale, anywhere in the UK,

please share the details with us here.  

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Unfortunately, it is not currently illegal to sell live decapod crustaceans in the UK, so these businesses are not doing anything unlawful. But this is a cruel trade, regardless of the conditions in which the decapods are kept, so we would like to know the scale of the practice and would like your help to be our eyes in your local area.  

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If you are concerned for the welfare of the animals or the conditions they are in, please let us know and we will try to speak to the store owner to improve the situation. In every case we will contact the owner of the business directly, and the local governmental representatives in their area to try and find a resolution to this cruel trade. Any evidence received will be used in our campaigns – although names will be anonymised to protect individual.

Decapod crustaceans are not protected under the Animal Welfare Act, so the RSPCA are unable to help them or prosecute in cases of mistreatment or neglect. We are trying to change that. 

We are currently campaigning to get decapod crustaceans included in the Animal Welfare Act and to get live sales banned,

and we are working with seafood industry and businesses to improve the care and management of crustaceans in their care. ​

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