Octopus says ‘Ouch!’
- Rupa Sengupta
- Dec 6, 2021, 20:15 IST IST
Stewed lobster or sacrificial lamb, we animals know that admitting our pain pains you humans
Dear humans, we lobsters, crabs, squid and octopuses are ‘sentient’. A London School of Economics report said so, citing scientific studies. And, readying an animal welfare bill that grants such recognition, British lawmakers recently raised hopes for policies to curb cruelty to us poor crustaceans and molluscs.
With us decapods and cephalopods declared pain-sensitive, will seafoodies enjoy guilt-free lobster Thermidor? That depends. Like Switzerland, will Britain and other nations ban boiling crustaceans alive? Will live octopus stop being a food fad? If we invertebrates join the protected ranks of ‘sentient’ vertebrates like celebrity Chihuahuas, will we qualify for ethical (mis)treatment?
With us decapods and cephalopods declared pain-sensitive, will seafoodies enjoy guilt-free lobster Thermidor? That depends. Like Switzerland, will Britain and other nations ban boiling crustaceans alive? Will live octopus stop being a food fad? If we invertebrates join the protected ranks of ‘sentient’ vertebrates like celebrity Chihuahuas, will we qualify for ethical (mis)treatment?
