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Written question asked by Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Labour) on Wednesday, 26 May 2021, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 10 June 2021. It was answered by Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park (Conservative) on Thursday, 10 June 2021 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Animal Welfare

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park on 12 April (HL14638), when they intend to publish the Review of the Evidence for Sentience in Decapod Crustaceans and Cephalopod Molluscs; and whether the date of publication will allow its findings to be incorporated into the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill [HL].

Answer

There is clear evidence that animals with a backbone (vertebrates) are sentient and this is reflected in the Government’s Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill introduced to the House of Lords on 13 May 2021. However, the Bill also gives the Secretary of State a power to extend the recognition of sentience to particular invertebrates in future on the basis of evidence.

Defra has commissioned an independent review of the available scientific evidence on sentience in decapod crustaceans such as crabs and lobsters, as well as sentience in the class, Cephalopoda, which includes octopus, cuttlefish and squid. The review will report shortly. We look forward to receiving its conclusions, which we will respond to as part of our ongoing work to protect the welfare needs of animals.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL617
Session
2021-22
Related items
Animal Welfare
Monday, 12 April 2021
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects
Animal welfare Shellfish Cephalopods
Legislation
Animal Welfare Act 2006
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk