Animal Law Day: Progress towards protecting decapod crustaceans in science

Jessie McConnell-Hellier, Policy Officer, Replacing Animal Research

Every year, Animal Law Day gives us an opportunity to reflect on the progress made across the sector over the previous year. It also allows us to highlight the legislation designed to protect animals that still needs strengthening. For Replacing Animal Research, one area in particular brings both of these themes together: the use of decapod crustaceans in scientific research. 

What is the current law? 

In the UK, the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA) covers the use of protected animals in regulated procedures. Protected animals are defined as any living vertebrate other than humans (mammals, birds, fish, etc) and any living cephalopod (such as octopus and squid). When first enacted, ASPA only protected vertebrates. The Common Octopus (Octopus vulgaris) was brought within scope in 1993, followed by all cephalopods in 2013. 

No decapod crustaceans (crabs, lobsters, shrimps, prawns, etc) are currently included in the definition, meaning that they are afforded no protection when used in research.  

In 2021, the London School of Economics published a report concluding that there is ‘strong scientific evidence’ that crustaceans can feel pain, distress and harm. Because of this, the Government stated that crustaceans would be recognised as sentient beings under the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill, which was passed in 2022. Whilst this was a huge step forward, it had, and still has, no effect on existing legislation. This includes the Animal Welfare Act and the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act, meaning that despite evidence of sentience, crustaceans are still not protected in scientific research.  

What is the Government doing? 

In April 2026, the Home Office published a letter outlining a new proposed approach to the regulation of decapods in scientific procedures. This is in response to recognition of their sentience and pressure from many animal protection organisations to close the legal gap and protect crustaceans. The letter stated that the Home Office will take ‘a phased approach to developing proportionate and evidence-based arrangements’ for decapod crustaceans use in science, including the development of a roadmap. 

Initial steps in the roadmap will include:  

• The adoption of baseline, industry-led welfare standards for using crustaceans in science 

• Voluntary reporting on the use of decapods by establishments and targeted training 

  
  

Subsequent steps will involve: 

• Addressing any remaining gaps in guidance 

• Reviewing the potential for a commission on targeted technical advice 

  
  

Following these steps, consideration may be given to whether decapod crustaceans should be included as a protected animal under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act.  

This announcement is an encouraging step in the right direction, acknowledging the current gap in the legislation. However, this should by no means be considered the conclusion, particularly given that it falls short of a concrete commitment to afford crustaceans legal protection. 

Why does this matter? 

At Replacing Animal Research, we are ultimately working towards a world where all animals in research are replaced by non-animal methods. This includes those that aren’t currently protected, like crustaceans. For their replacement to be a legal requirement, as it currently is for protected species, crustaceans must be brought under the powers of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act.

Without this change, full replacement will be much harder to achieve. 

Whilst Replacement is the overall objective, there are also welfare implications to consider here too. We currently have scientifically evidenced, legally sentient animals being used in research with no protections. This means that they are not subject to any of the licensing conditions that are given to protected animals. There’s no obligation to conduct harm-benefit analysis, no legally binding housing and husbandry standards, and essentially no regulations around how or why they are used. These are significant issues around how sentient animals are being considered. Undoubtedly, as our knowledge of animal sentience develops, it is only right that legislation and regulations keep pace. 

Where do we go from here? 

One factor that is key to this work is collaboration. It’s vital that stakeholders from all sides of the sector are involved in work that the Government is conducting, including researchers and animal protection organisations.  

Replacing Animal Research is a member of the Animal Protection and Welfare Stakeholder Group, which provides an opportunity for animal protection organisations to meet with the Home Office Animals in Science Regulation Policy Unit and discuss issues relating to the use of animals in research. 

Crustacean use in science has been an important area of focus within these discussions, and we welcome the Government's decision to explore how protections for these animals can be strengthened. However, ensuring meaningful progress will require continued engagement with organisations that have dedicated expertise in decapod crustacean welfare. 

As the organisation leading the conversation on crustaceans welfare, Crustacean Compassion is uniquely placed to contribute to the development of future policy. Their expertise will be essential in ensuring that the Government’s work reflects the best available scientific evidence and welfare requirements for crustaceans.  

The next steps taken by Government will be vital in determining whether recognition of crustacean sentience leads to meaningful protections in practice. Collaboration between policymakers, scientists and animal welfare organisations will be key to making sure that any future framework delivers real improvements for crustacean used in science.  

For Animal Law Day, we should celebrate the Government’s recognition of decapod crustaceans and work around their use in science. But there is still a long way to go. We at Replacing Animal Research very much look forward to working alongside Crustacean Compassion to ensure that future policy solidifies protections for crustaceans used in research, and supports the full replacement of animals in science. 

Who is Replacing Animal Research? 

Replacing Animal Research is a small charity based in the UK that believes in a future where no animal suffers for science.  

For over 50 years, we’ve championed non-animal research, by funding exciting human-relevant research, collaborating with and educating scientists, and influencing policy to accelerate the shift away from animal testing. 

Last year, more than 2.54 million scientific procedures were carried out on animals in Great Britain. We want to see that number get to zero. 

Founded in 1969 by Dorothy Hegarty, we were originally known as FRAME (Fund for the Replacement of Animals in Medical Experiments). Today, we continue her legacy by bridging science, ethics, and innovation. If you’d like to be kept up to date with our work, sign up to the Replacing Animal Research newsletter.