The method of cooking lobsters by boiling is quite popular in many countries due to its speed and ease of execution at home. However, this practice has become controversial in recent years, and an increasing number of countries have banned chefs from using this boiling method. Soon, the United Kingdom is also planning to pass a new bill called the “Animal Welfare Bill.”
According to researchers, there is evidence that lobsters, as well as other crustaceans like crabs, are sentient beings. They also experience pain when boiled alive by humans. Stephanie Yu, a researcher, reported to the Humane Society of the United States that “There is substantial evidence showing that crustaceans are sentient animals. Yet, humane slaughter laws worldwide largely overlook them.” Specifically, during the process of being boiled alive, lobsters undergo “intense struggle and painful thrashing for about 2 minutes before dying.” She described this method as “unnecessarily cruel.”
It is known that this bill is still under discussion before it is officially implemented. However, it is likely that the new law will expand its scope not only to lobsters but also to other species such as crabs, octopuses, squids, and other sentient invertebrates.
According to the new bill, anyone wishing to prepare lobsters must stun or chill them before placing them in the pot. Additionally, using plastic wrap to cover these live animals is also considered an illegal act.
This new law has received significant support from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) and the British Veterinary Association (BVA). Furthermore, the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation (CAWF), supported by Carrie Johnson (the wife of Prime Minister Boris Johnson), also strongly endorses this bill. In fact, similar laws have already been enacted in countries like New Zealand, Norway, and Switzerland.
