Animal welfare organizations Crustacean Compassion and Compassion in World Farming have joined forces to launch a new campaign called Protect the ’Pods, calling for stronger legal protection for decapod crustaceans and cephalopod molluscs under the Animal Welfare Act.
To kick off the campaign, a giant lobster and octopus appeared in Westminster on Friday, September 11th, 2026. The eye-catching stilt walkers were used to draw attention to the gap in UK animal welfare law, as these animals are recognized as sentient under the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022, but are still excluded from the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
According to the two charities, the Animal Welfare Act’s 20th anniversary is the perfect time for the UK Government to take action and bring these animals under its scope.
The launch of Protect the ’Pods saw campaigners and supporters marching through Westminster, including Westminster Bridge and Downing Street. Their message was clear – the Government must “get their Acts together” and provide meaningful legal protection for these animals.
Dr. Ben Sturgeon, CEO of Crustacean Compassion, stated, “The law acknowledges that crabs, lobsters, prawns, and other decapod crustaceans are capable of feeling pain and suffering. But this recognition means nothing if they are still excluded from the Animal Welfare Act. The Sentience Act recognizes their ability to suffer, and it is time for the Animal Welfare Act to protect them as well. It is time to close the gap, align the Acts, and give these animals the protection they deserve.”
James West, Chief Public Affairs Manager at Compassion in World Farming, added, “Octopuses, squid, and other cephalopods are extraordinary animals, and the science on their sentience is clear. Recognition was an important first step, but now it must lead to meaningful protection. Together, we are calling on the Government to update animal welfare laws and ensure that no sentient animal is left behind.”
The campaign comes at a time when there are growing calls for consistency in UK animal welfare legislation. The Animal Sentience Committee has recommended that the definition of “animal” be applied consistently across relevant legislation, including the Animal Welfare Act. This would include cephalopods and decapods under its scope, as they are already recognized as sentient under the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act.
The Government’s Animal Welfare Strategy for England has also acknowledged that there are still gaps in the welfare of decapod crustaceans and cephalopod molluscs.
Through the Protect the ’Pods campaign, Crustacean Compassion and Compassion in World Farming are urging members of the public to join their Pod Squad and call on the Government to extend the Animal Welfare Act to include decapod crustaceans and cephalopod molluscs.
Two organizations have one clear ask – it is time to put the ‘pods in the Act.
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Notes to editors
About Protect the ’Pods: Protect the ’Pods is a joint campaign from Crustacean Compassion and Compassion in World Farming calling for decapod crustaceans and cephalopod molluscs to be included within the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022 defines “animal” to include vertebrates other than humans, cephalopod molluscs, and decapod crustaceans. The Animal Welfare Act 2006 currently defines “animal” as a vertebrate other than a human. In 2026, the Animal Sentience Committee recommended greater consistency in the definition of animals across relevant legislation, including the inclusion of cephalopods and decapods within the Animal Welfare Act. The Government’s Animal Welfare Strategy for England recognizes decapod crustaceans and cephalopod molluscs as sentient beings capable of experiencing pain and suffering and acknowledges that welfare gaps remain.
About Crustacean Compassion: Crustacean Compassion is an award-winning animal welfare organization dedicated to the humane treatment and legal protection of animals like crabs, lobsters, and prawns (decapod crustaceans). They work with legislators and policymakers to strengthen and enforce animal welfare laws and policies, persuade and enable companies to sell higher welfare products across their shellfish product ranges, and educate the public and policymakers on the science of decapod crustacean sentience and their humane treatment and care. For more information, or for an interview with Dr. Ben Sturgeon, please contact 020 3870 3302 or email info@crustaceancompassion.org.
About Compassion in World Farming: Compassion in World Farming is a leading international farm animal welfare organization. They work to end factory farming and create a world where farm animals are treated with compassion and respect. For more information, please
