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Written question asked by Kate Osamor (Labour) on Monday, 3 November 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 5 November 2025. It was answered by Dan Jarvis (Labour) on Wednesday, 12 November 2025 on behalf of the Home Office.


Animal Experiments: Shellfish

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of amending the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 to include decapod crustaceans.

Answer

The Government is committed to an evidence-based and proportionate approach to setting welfare standards for decapod. This applies both to those caught for human consumption and to those used in scientific research. The Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022 recognises decapod crustaceans as sentient beings.

The Home Office is carefully considering the next steps in collaboration with other relevant departments.

The Government is committed to non-animal alternatives in science and will publish a strategy to support their development, validation and adoption later this year.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
87353
Session
2024-26
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Animal experiments Shellfish
Legislation
Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk