The British Veterinary Association (BVA) warmly welcomed the widening of the scope of the forthcoming Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill to include cephalopod molluscs and decapod crustaceans in November 2021.
Under changes announced, cephalopods (including octopuses, squid and cuttlefish) and decapods (including crabs, lobsters and crayfish) will be recognised alongside vertebrates as being capable of feeling pleasure, pain and distress and therefore protected under the new laws on sentience.
The move follows the findings of a government-commissioned independent review by the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), which concluded there is strong scientific evidence decapod crustaceans and cephalopod molluscs are sentient.
BVA, which is the largest representative body for vets across the UK, has long campaigned for animal sentience to be embedded in law. In its recent sentience position, it called for crustaceans and molluscs to be included in its scope given the strength of the existing and ongoing evidence base that supports this.
Justine Shotton, original BVA President at the time, said: “We’re really heartened by today’s move, which will place a duty on the state to consider the sentience of decapods and cephalopods within all future policy making, as well as vertebrate animals.
“BVA and others have long championed crustacean and molluscs as having the capacity to experience feelings such as pleasure and pain, and the growing scientific evidence base really served to strengthen this argument. These changes are a resounding win for animal welfare which will provide new gold standard protections to millions of crustaceans as well as other species.”
AS MOST PET FOODS WILL CONTAIN SOME FORM OF CRUSTACEAN IN THE FORM OF CHONDROITIN, THIS IS YET ANOTHER REASON TO SUPPORT THE USE OF VEGAN DOG FOOD DIETS THAT ONLY USE PLANT-BASED MATERIALS AND NOTHING OF ANIMAL ORIGIN
Will we see empty supermarket shelves of pet food in 2024?
As each country prepares to reach their zero carbon emissions agreement, we have meat-based pet food manufacturers panicking as Category 3 animal fat is also very valuable to the renewable diesel market
Cultivated Pet Food Market
Meatly to sell ‘first-ever’ cultivated pet food at Pets At Home
Successful Plant-Based Collaborations
Edgard & Cooper partners with Deliciously Ella for plant-based food launch
Peas, lentils and DCM in dogs
Dr Jo works for an independent vet practice in Devon and she asked some very valid questions during a lunch and learn about plant-based dog nutrition at her practice. Her main focus in practice is around treating dogs with atopic skin conditions due to sensitivities,...
First B Corp Certified Plant-Based Pet Food Company
In becoming a B Corp, THE PACK is the first fully plant-based pet food startup in Europe to join the B Corp movement
Give A Dog A Bean is Pea and Soya Free
The UK’s first true naturally hypoallergenic diet that is also extremely palatable
Pets At Home Commits To Net Zero Goals
There is reason to remain optimistic that in five to 10 years’ time, most dog owners will not think twice about regularly feeding plant-based products whether that is in the form of complete meals, treats or dental chews
Fascinating Raw Feeding Webinar by Prof Rob Foale
Prof Rob Foale is a Small Animal Medicine Specialist and in October 2023, he produced a very balanced and interesting webinar on raw feeding of our pets
UK Pet Foods Removes Vegan Dog Food Diets Recommendation
UK Pet Foods REMOVED the page on their website promoting anything to do with Vegan/Vegetarian diets
Plant Powered Paws Podcast
Listen to Dr Arielle Griffiths being interviewed by Evan Davis from BBC 4 Radio
Published study confirming that cats can also be healthier on a vegan diet
As yet, there have been NO published studies of this kind looking at the benefits of high fish-based diets, raw food diets or even insect-based diets in cats, so this really is a step forward for sustainability and pet health
Lily’s Kitchen Vegan Dog Food Range in Sainsbury
Lily’s Kitchen Finds Success in Plant Power Meals and Treats for Dogs
Recommended sustainable pet foods
