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Written question asked by James Cartlidge (Conservative) on Friday, 28 August 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 2 September 2026. It was answered by Sarah Jones (Labour) on Thursday, 3 September 2026 on behalf of the Home Office.

Animal Experiments: Shellfish

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she plans to extend the protections provided by the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 to decapod crustaceans.

Answer

The Government has not decided whether to extend the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 to decapod crustaceans. The Home Office is continuing a phased, evidence-based programme of work to improve protections for decapods used in science and inform and inform any future decision on regulation.

This includes developing baseline welfare standards, voluntary reporting arrangements and identifying evidence, guidance and technical gaps. The Home Office is establishing an expert working group to support this work and is developing a roadmap setting out the key stages towards considering the potential future inclusion of decapods as protected animals under the Act.

Any decision to bring forward legislation will be informed by the evidence and advice produced. It would therefore be premature to set a date for the conclusion of that consideration. The Government will provide further updates as the work progresses through appropriate forums.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
21293
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Animal welfare Animal experiments Shellfish
Legislation
Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk