ANIMALS
Octopuses, squids and lobsters could be classed as ‘sentient beings’
WORDS HARRY BAKER
Octopuses are one of several marine invertebrates to be recognised as sentient by changes to a new animal welfare bill
A number of marine animals, including octopuses, squids, crabs and lobsters, will be recognised as sentient beings as part of a new law proposed by the UK government. The Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill was first proposed in May 2021 and is currently under review. The law originally included all vertebrates, or animals with a backbone, but no invertebrates. However, on 19 November 2021, the UK government announced that two invertebrate groups, cephalopod molluscs (octopuses, squids and cuttlefish) and decapod crustaceans (crabs, lobsters, shrimp and crayfish) – will now be included on the list of sentient beings, which means their welfare will have to be considered when future government decisions are made about them.