Abstract

This commentary will provide an overview of the practical implications of ascribing sentience to decapods in their protection as food, companion and research animals focusing on UK context. Recognising their capacity to suffer has implications for humane slaughter in farming and fishing sectors. Furthermore, it should place a greater duty of care on owners of captive decapods, including consideration of their needs and avoidance of unnecessary suffering. Finally, recognition of decapods as sentient animals should impact their protection as research animals, although research with potential to cause suffering may be required to further understand decapods’ capacity to suffer.