world
RSPCA Urges Rethinking Crabbing Over Crustacean Sentience and Tradition
The RSPCA has urged an end to the traditional seaside activity of crabbing in Cornwall, citing research on crustacean sentience and a survey showing limited public awareness. Local stakeholders, including the Cornwall Wildlife Trust and harbour officials, emphasized the pastime's heritage value while advocating respectful handling.
GB NewsAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Developing·Limited corroboration so far. This page will refresh as more sources emerge.
The RSPCA has called for the seaside tradition of crabbing to be scrapped, stating that it is not compassionate toward the animals involved. Visitors to Cornwall have been told to think twice before taking part in the traditional pastime of crabbing. GB News reported these developments, highlighting the charity's position based on animal welfare concerns.
A survey conducted by the RSPCA found that 45 percent of respondents believed crustaceans to be sentient creatures. Research has established that decapod crustaceans, which include crabs, lobsters, and prawns, can experience pain, distress, and positive feelings. The public's limited awareness about crustacean welfare was astounding.
A spokesperson from the RSPCA said: We understand people like to go out and enjoy these pastimes. We don't want to be party-poopers, but does that necessarily have to happen? She continued: Do we need to take these animals out of their environment, put them in a bucket, possibly prod them, poke them?
The spokesperson added: We don't know what they're going through. We can enjoy these animals in other ways. The RSPCA's intervention follows a similar campaign by Peta targeting the World Pier Crabbing Championships.
Peta urged organisers of the Cromer Crab and Lobster Festival in Norfolk to swap their crabbing contest for a Crab Appling Championship with crab apples instead. The president of the Cromer Crab and Lobster Festival told the BBC that while they consider Peta's concern for the wellbeing of any animal, the idea of using crab apples this time of the year out of season is way off course.
