The country funded a survey by the London School of Economics and Political Science to assess the sense of existence of these animals. The objective of the research was to identify whether animals such as lobsters, crabs and octopuses feel pain and whether they have self-awareness.
The conclusion of this study was that there are strong indications that cephalopods and crustaceans are self-aware. The result will serve as the basis for new UK legislation to protect and ensure the welfare of animals.
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What the law says
The proposal received the name of “Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill” which in translation into Portuguese is something like Animal Welfare Bill (Sentience).
With that name we can already have an idea of what this law aims at: the welfare of animals that are aware. This concern arises because they are animals of economic interest and are widely marketed as culinary delicacies.
This law had existed for some time, but it only contemplated vertebrate animals. As cephalopods and crustaceans do not have a well-defined bone structure, despite having a complex central nervous system, they were not covered by legislation.
When it comes into force, this Law will allow studies on the quality of life that these animals are exposed to, both in their natural habitat and in breeders. It will also be proposed the creation of specific committees to take care of the flora and protection of crabs, lobsters and octopuses.
Cephalopods and crustaceans
Octopuses and squids are the main representatives of cephalopods, which are animals with “feet on their heads”.
They are marine predators and can change color as a defense mechanism or for reproduction. Furthermore, their nervous system is quite complex and some research has already shown that they can learn skills and that they feel pain.
Referring to crustaceans, they are animals with a protective shell for the body and their largest representatives are: lobsters, crabs, shrimps and crabs.
These animals are of great importance in the food chain and also for the economy of many countries, as they are commercially available for human consumption.
Furthermore, as there is already evidence that animals such as lobsters, crabs and octopuses feel pain, scientists indicate that you should avoid cooking them alive.
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