Boiling lobsters and crabs alive is ‘not acceptable’ and might be banned by Labour as a part of its animal welfare crackdown

Chefs and adventurous home cooks are to be banned from killing lobsters and crabs by boiling them alive as is traditional under a Labour animal welfare crackdown.

A new strategy issued today says that the tradition of dispatching the delicious crustaceans in scalding water ‘is not an acceptable killing method’.

And the ban is not limited to the large clawed crustaceans. Decapods including shrimp and prawn, and cephalopod molluscs like squid and octopus will also have to face a more humane end.

It comes after legislation introduced by the Tories in 2022 ruled that they are all ‘sentient beings capable of experiencing pain and suffering’.

But it has fuelled fury among shellfishers and restauranteurs who say it will add more costs to their businesses and end the trade in live shellfish.

Other methods of humane dispatch include freezing them or using an electric shock. 

David Jarrad, the chief executive of Shellfish Association of Great Britain, told the Telegraph: ‘If somebody’s wanting to buy a live crab or lobster, they’re not going to pay for it if it’s already dead. 

‘In practice, there is an inherent advantage to the whole supply chain to look after the product to your best ability without causing crustaceans stress so that we can get top prices for them.

‘Our concern in the UK is that if restaurants and hotels do not wish to buy stunning equipment, which costs around £3,500, they will just import frozen seafood from abroad.’ 

A new strategy issued today says that the tradition of dispatching the delicious crustaceans in scalding water ‘is not an acceptable killing method’

But the move led by Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds  has fuelled fury among shellfishers and restauranteurs who say it will add more costs to their businesses and end the trade in live shellfish

It comes after legislation introduced by the Tories in 2022 ruled that they are all ‘sentient beings capable of experiencing pain and suffering’

The animal welfare strategy, launched on Monday, includes plans to ban trail hunting, for fear it is being used as cover for chasing live foxes, as well as to tighten protections aimed at stopping cruel breeding practices such as puppy farming.

The proposals build on law changes introduced in Parliament over the last year, which crack down on puppy smuggling, and impose larger penalties for worrying livestock.

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said the UK was ‘a nation of animal lovers’ and claimed the Government is ‘delivering the most ambitious animal welfare strategy in a generation’.

The section on shellfish says that guidance will be issued on which methods can be used to humanely dispatch shellfish. 

Dr Ben Sturgeon, the chief executive of Crustacean Compassion said: ‘Recognising the sentience of crabs, lobsters, and other decapod crustaceans, and banning inhumane practices like live boiling, is a vital step forward for animal welfare. 

‘When live, conscious decapod crustaceans are placed into a pot of boiling water, they endure several minutes of excruciating pain before they die. This is torture for crabs and lobsters and is completely avoidable. 

‘Throughout the supply chain humane alternatives, such as electrical stunning prior to slaughter, are readily available and ensure these animals are killed swiftly and without unnecessary suffering.’