Protect the ‘Pods: Taking crabs, lobsters, octopuses and squid to Parliament
Earlier this month, we took the voices of crabs, lobsters, octopuses and squid to the very heart of UK politics. Against the iconic backdrop of Westminster, together with Compassion in World Farming, we officially launched Protect the ’Pods, our new joint campaign calling for decapod crustaceans and cephalopod molluscs to finally be included in the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Armed with banners, determination and two unforgettable stilt walkers dressed as a giant lobster and octopus, Crustacean Compassion and Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) headed to London to make sure that message was impossible to ignore. From Parliament and Westminster Bridge to Downing Street, we took our message through the heart of Westminster: it’s time to put the ’pods in the Animal Welfare Act.
Crabs, lobsters, prawns, octopuses and squid are already recognised as sentient under the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022. Yet they remain excluded from the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and the protections it provides against unnecessary suffering. For animals whose lives are so often hidden from view, Westminster felt like exactly the right place to demand that they be seen. And against some of the country’s most recognisable political landmarks, our giant ’pods certainly proved difficult to ignore.
But behind the colourful stunt was a serious message.
Throughout the day, passers-by stopped to ask questions, take photographs and learn more about the animals at the centre of our campaign. Conversations took place on busy streets and outside some of the country’s most recognisable political buildings. Together, we were there to highlight a glaring inconsistency in UK animal welfare law.
Dr Ben Sturgeon, CEO at Crustacean Compassion, said: “The law recognises that crabs, lobsters, prawns and other decapod crustaceans can feel pain and suffer. But recognition means little while the Animal Welfare Act still leaves them out. The Sentience Act says they can suffer. The Animal Welfare Act should protect them. It’s time to close the gap, align the Acts and give these animals the protection they deserve.”
James West, Chief Public Affairs Manager at Compassion in World Farming said: "Octopuses, squid and other cephlapods are extraordinary animals, and the science on their sentience is clear. Recognition was an important first step, but now it must lead to meaningful protection. Together, we're calling on Government to bring animal welfare law up to date and make sure no sentient animal is left behind."
The event was about raising awareness, but it was also about building momentum. Every conversation, every photograph shared online and every supporter who stopped to learn more helped strengthen the growing call for change. Because while the law now recognises that these animals can suffer, recognition alone is not enough. Our message to Government is simple:
Government: get your Acts together
They’ve been recognised as sentient. Now they need to be protected as sentient.
Earlier this year, the Animal Sentience Committee called for greater consistency in the definition of an “animal” across relevant legislation. It specifically recommended that applying the definition already used in the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act to the Animal Welfare Act would bring decapods and cephalopods within its scope. The Government’s Animal Welfare Strategy has also acknowledged that welfare gaps remain for these animals.
As the Animal Welfare Act reaches its twentieth anniversary in 2026, we believe there could not be a better time to close that gap.
It is a straightforward change that would help bring animal welfare legislation into line with the legal recognition of these animals’ sentience. This isn’t about creating special treatment. It’s about consistency: if the law recognises that an animal can suffer, that recognition should be backed by meaningful protection.
Join the ‘Pod Squad
Our Westminster launch was about getting people talking - and our larger-than-life lobster and octopus certainly helped with that. But awareness alone won’t change the law. We now need people across the country to add their voices to the campaign and show Government that there is public support for closing this gap.
One of the most powerful things you can do is contact Animal Welfare Minister Baroness Hayman of Ullock and ask her to support the inclusion of decapod crustaceans and cephalopod molluscs in the Animal Welfare Act.
Baroness Hayman has championed these animals before, supporting their recognition during the passage of the Sentience Act. Now we’re asking her to help turn that recognition into protection.
This is just the beginning
Our day in Westminster marked the start of something much bigger. Protect the ’Pods is not a one-day event. Over the coming months, we’ll continue engaging supporters, raising awareness and calling on decision-makers to close this gap in animal welfare law once and for all.
History shows that animal welfare advances because people refuse to accept that suffering should be ignored. Every improvement in animal welfare legislation has started with individuals speaking up and demanding better.
That is exactly what Protect the ‘Pods is about. So, while our lobster and octopus may have packed away their stilts for now, the campaign is only getting started. We hope you'll join us.
Together, we can make sure that recognised sentience finally comes with the protection it deserves.
Two organisations. One clear ask. It’s time to put the ’pods in the Act.
Join the Pod Squad and help us #ProtectThePods.
