The UK government is set to outlaw the practice of boiling lobsters alive as part of a significant new package of animal welfare measures for England. The move forms a central pillar of Labour's long-awaited strategy, which also targets the use of hen cages and puppy farms.
Humane Alternatives for Crustaceans
Ministers have declared that "live boiling is not an acceptable killing method" for decapod crustaceans like lobsters and crabs. Official guidance will soon be published promoting alternative, more humane methods. These include stunning the animals with an electric device or chilling them in cold air or ice slurry before any cooking process begins.
This proposed ban builds upon the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022, introduced by the previous Conservative government, which legally recognised that invertebrates such as octopuses, crabs, and lobsters are sentient beings capable of feeling pain.
Ben Sturgeon, chief executive of the charity Crustacean Compassion, strongly welcomed the announcement. He stated: "When live, conscious animals are placed into boiling water, they endure several minutes of excruciating pain. This is torture and completely avoidable. Humane alternatives, like electrical stunning, are readily available." The practice of live boiling is already prohibited in countries including Switzerland, Norway, and New Zealand.
A Broader Animal Welfare Strategy
Revealed on Monday, Labour's comprehensive strategy includes several other major reforms. It pledges to outlaw the use of hen cages and pig farrowing crates, and to bring an end to puppy farming. The government will also consult on banning electric shock collars for dogs and will introduce mandatory humane slaughter requirements for farmed fish.
Significant changes are also planned for hunting regulations. The proposals include a ban on shooting hares during their breeding season and an outright end to so-called 'trail hunting'. This practice involves laying an animal-based scent for dogs to chase, followed by riders on horseback. Animal welfare charities have long argued that trail hunting is used as a "smokescreen" for the illegal hunting of foxes.
Labour's manifesto committed to extending the 2005 foxhunting ban to cover trail hunting, a move supported by polling. A YouGov survey last year indicated that 65% of voters found hunting wild animals unacceptable, with only 21% believing hunting with dogs should be permitted.
Political Reactions and Further Calls
The announcement has drawn criticism from Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who labelled the plans "authoritarian control freakery". He added, "You might as well ban walking dogs in the countryside as they chase rabbits, hares, deer and foxes."
A Labour source responded, stating: "When it comes to being in touch with the priorities of working people, the horse has very much bolted for Nigel Farage... While Farage focuses on defending hunts that are often used as a smokescreen for killing wild animals, Labour is dealing with outdated laws which permit poor animal welfare practices."
The Green party largely supported the government's proposals but urged ministers to go further by committing to end greyhound racing, which faces a potential ban in Wales by 2030.
This suite of policies marks one of the most substantial updates to animal welfare legislation in recent years, aligning legal protections with evolving scientific understanding of animal sentience.
