Will The UK Finally Ban Boiling Crabs Alive For Food? Here’s What You Need To Know

The British government’s new animal welfare strategy says that the live boiling of crabs and other decapods is “not an acceptable killing method.” But will there really be a ban?

The UK has taken significant steps to strengthen animal welfare protections in recent years, including for animals like crabs whose welfare was not addressed by existing laws. 

Despite these developments, common but cruel practices such as live boiling have remained legal. With the Labour government’s freshly overhauled animal welfare strategy now live, it remains to be seen if there will actually be a ban, and what that might look like. 

Read more: UK Government Overhauls Animal Welfare Strategy To Target Puppy Mills, Caged Farming, And Trail Hunting

Humane slaughter and the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill

In 2022, the previous government’s Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill recognized all vertebrate animals – including mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and birds – as sentient, as well as decapod crustaceans and cephalopods like octopuses, lobsters, and crabs. The bill stated that these are also sentient beings, who “experience feelings in the same way humans do.”

Since then, individuals, restaurants, and the food service industry in general have continued to boil animals like lobsters and crabs alive. Traditionally, shellfish are cooked alive to neutralize the bacteria on their flesh and shells and to avoid food poisoning.

While some people choose to “spike” the animals with a sharp knife, freeze them, or stun them with electricity first, live boiling remains the most common slaughter method in the UK. In 2024, the government even faced legal action over its stance on live boiling.

Some people argue that there is no “humane” way to kill an animal at all, but live boiling is a notably cruel slaughter method. When placed in boiling water, crabs and lobsters thrash, shed limbs, and try to climb out. They can take up to three minutes to lose consciousness.

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