Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps is she taking to (a) reduce the numbers of decapod crustaceans used in scientific procedures and (b) strengthen expertise of these creatures within the Animals in Science Regulation Unit.

The Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022 recognises decapod crustaceans as sentient beings. The Government is committed to an evidence-based and proportionate approach to their welfare, including where they are used in scientific research.

The Home Office has committed to a phased approach to developing proportionate and evidence-based arrangements for decapods used in science. This approach combines the endorsement of industry led welfare standards for decapods, supported by voluntary reporting, alongside exploring the development of a clear roadmap towards consideration of the potential future inclusion of decapods as “protected animals” under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA).