RSPCA demands much-loved seaside tradition be scrapped because it isn't 'compassionate'

James Saunders
Tue, 28 Apr 2026 03:37:23 +0000

The RSPCA has called for a much-loved seaside tradition to be scrapped - because it is not "compassionate".

Visitors to Cornwall have been told to think twice before taking part in the traditional pastime of crabbing, with fewer than half of Britons knowing the animals feel pain.

A survey conducted by the animal welfare charity found that fewer than half of respondents - just 45 per cent - believed crustaceans to be sentient creatures.

But research has established that decapod crustaceans, which include crabs, lobsters and prawns, can experience pain, distress and even positive feelings, the charity said.

Jenny Longden from the RSPCA said the public's limited awareness about crustacean welfare was "astounding."

She said: "We understand people like to go out and enjoy these pastimes. We don't want to be party-poopers, but does that necessarily have to happen?

"Do we need to take these animals out of their environment, put them in a bucket, possibly prod them, poke them?

"We don't know what they're going through. We can enjoy these animals in other ways."

The Cornwall Wildlife Trust (CWT) said crabbing plays a valuable role in helping people develop "an appreciation and an understanding of marine wildlife" - but stressed the importance of careful handling.

But Andrew Trevarton, the harbour master at Mevagissey, said it was an "integral part" of the village's heritage.

"It's a very special part of people's holiday that, when they return as they grow up, they bring their children, and it's been going on decades and decades," he said.

Matt Slater, a marine conservation officer with the CWT, said the evidence for crustaceans being sentient should be respected.

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"I think it needs to be done very carefully and we need to raise awareness," he said.

"We need to treat these animals with respect when we take them out of the marine environment. We need to put them into nice cold sea water - keep that bucket in the shade, don't put that many crabs in the bucket and return them safely too.

"If you treat the animals with respect, my feeling is crabbing should continue - but we do need to raise people's awareness."

The RSPCA's intervention follows a similar campaign by Peta targeting the World Pier Crabbing Championships.

The animal rights group previously urged organisers of the Cromer Crab and Lobster Festival in Norfolk to swap their crabbing contest for a "Crab Appling Championship" - with crab apples instead.

Hilary Cox, president of the festival, told the BBC: "While we consider their concern for the wellbeing of any animal, the idea of using crab apples this time of the year out of season is way off course."

She said: "We, as the Crab and Lobster Festival group, acknowledge the importance of the crab locally.

"It's a part of our heritage, it has been for a long time, and we hope well into the future."