December is among the most sought-after times of the year to purchase lobsters, crabs, and various crustaceans. If you decide to buy them, it is recommended that the RSPCA provides a crucial warning: don’t purchase the animals alive. Buy them fresh or frozen but dead, and ensure that they’ve been killed humanely.

What makes this vital?

Crustaceans have a variety of nerve centers that run through their bodies. Research has proven how killing without shocking the animal before swiftly destroying the nerve centers means that they are afflicted.

In the UK, there is a new animal welfare law now comprises lobsters, crabs, and octopuses. The bill was introduced after an independent study discovered scientific evidence to show that decapod crustaceans (lobsters and crabs) and cephalopod Molluscs (octopuses and squids) can feel and are, therefore, see sentient creatures. In Australia, the issue of whether they are legal State and Territory legalization of animal welfare depends on how the State or Territory defines animals.

The RSPCA acknowledges the evidence that suggests that crustaceans are capable of suffering. This means that, just like other animals slaughtered for food, shocking and killing crustaceans should be performed by highly skilled individuals with specialized equipment and not performed at home or in a restaurant.

What should be done?

The beauty of crustaceans’ eyes must reflect the species, such as whether they are freshwater or saltwater animals. If this is not done correctly, the animal may suffer severe shock and suffer a painful death.

The most important thing is that live crustaceans should never be put in a microwave or poured into boiling or hot water.

For those who work in the field of seafood, such as chefs and seafood sellers For those working in the seafood industry, the RSPCA provides this complete guide to the most humane method to kill the crustaceans that are destined for human consumption.

What you can do

1. Don’t buy your crabs, lobsters, crayfish, Morton Bay bugs, and yabbies alive.
2. Check to see if the seafood vendor kills their crustaceans with respect for the environment. Please find out the methods they use and inform them about the guidelines.
3. As a consumer, your voice can have a significant influence. The way you can influence the world is to create a change in the way animals are treated by your choices and by asking questions and making your voice heard by the retailers and brands. They’re listening, and this is the best time to be a leader to promote better animal welfare.