Scientific experiments on crabs and lobsters could be curbed when the animal sentience bill becomes law, the Guardian has learned.
There are few restrictions on how crustaceans and decapods can be treated in scientific studies, in contrast with mice and other mammals, for which there are strict welfare laws.
Because scientists do not have to register how many crustaceans and decapods they experiment on, there are no numbers for how many are used.
But because they breed quickly and are sensitive to pollutants, they are frequently used in experiments, especially those that look into how different types of pollution affect the body.
But this could be about to change, Home Office sources said after crabs and lobsters were recognised as sentient beings which could feel pain.
The new legislation, which is awaiting royal consent after being approved by parliament this month, means ministers must consider the sentience of animals when implementing policy. This could result in restrictions on how crabs and lobsters can be treated when experimented on.
They are not included in the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, unlike mice, octopuses and various other animals. This means that no licences or training are required before they can be used in procedures that can cause pain, suffering or distress.
Robert Ellwood, professor emeritus at the school of biological science at Queen’s University Belfast, authored the research that found crabs and lobsters feel pain. He welcomed the potential legislative development, but said it must be applied to the commercial fishing industry as well as scientists.
“This is a step forward and if people are happy to accept that decapods are sentient and experience pain, then they should be given some protection. But I would see this … as a problem if they still leave millions of animals in commercial practices that are treated the same as before,” said Ellwood, who has worked with crustaceans for 30 years.
He added: “To ask scientists to go through all sorts of regulations that affect their work but allow these animals to be boiled alive at will would be unfair.
“It is asking for more rules, regulations and red tape, it will take longer to conduct an experiment, but that is a good thing, if it is applied across the board.”
Dr Penny Hawkins, the head of the animals in science department at the RSPCA, said: “It would be unthinkable to cause pain, suffering or distress to a mouse, rat or fish in a laboratory without proper regulation and ethical review.
“We have always been assured that invertebrates, like decapods, would be added to the [legislation] if there was enough evidence that they were sentient. The evidence has been collected, and octopuses are already included – the time to regulate decapod use is now.”
A government spokesperson said: “The UK is committed to the protection of animals in science and to ensuring animal research is only carried out where no practicable alternative exists. We are committed to maintaining robust regulatory standards and to investing in alternatives to animals.
“The use of animals in research supports the development of new medicines and cutting-edge medical technologies, for humans and animals, as well as the safety and sustainability of our environment.”
