This section of the website summarises the evidence for pain in crustaceans and reviews the welfare impact of commercial stunning and killing methods for lobsters and crabs. It is concluded that electrical stunning is the most humane method.

There is now good evidence that crustaceans can experience pain, argues Professor Robert Elwood of Queens University, Belfast. Pain in crustaceans is an important area of animal welfare research because, to quote Professor Elwood:

“The substantial numbers of them used in the food industry and the extreme treatments to which they are exposed should indicate the potential for improved welfare if evidence of pain is found.”

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