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An interesting article that I came across recently regarding crabs and lobsters discussed a new study done by scientists that showed that, not only do crabs feel pain, but that they retain memory of the pain. Researchers from Queens University Belfast, in the UK, performed this study, which involved using wires to deliver shocks to the soft undersides of hermit crabs. The crabs that were shocked quickly ran out of their shells, which the scientists stated was indicative of the experience being unpleasant for them. The control group, the crabs that were not shocked, stayed in their shells. Another test was performed to see if a mild shock delivery, less than the threshold that caused the crabs to leave their shells, would cause the same reaction. The crabs that were given a mild shock, along with the crabs that had not been shocked, were then offered new homes. What researchers found was that the crabs would explore the new home, but those that had been shocked were more likely to move to the new shell than those that had not been shocked. One of the study’s researchers Bob Elwood, explains, “We know from previous research that they can detect harmful stimuli and withdraw from the source of the stimuli but that could be a simple reflex without the inner ‘feeling’ of unpleasantness that we associate with pain,” he goes on to say, “This research demonstrates that it is not a simple reflex but that crabs trade-off their need for a quality shell with the need to avoid the harmful stimulus.” Perhaps it’s time we give another look at preparation alternatives. If dropping them, still live, into a vat of boiling water didn’t seem barbaric before, it sure does now. I think it is easy to give little credence to what that experience is for them simply because they do not offer as much outward reaction as, say, a cat or dog might when they experience painful stimuli. If lobsters and crabs had the ability to vocalize, would we be so inclined to kill them in that manner? Is it simply a case of “ignorance is bliss”?
If I didn't know better I would swear you were hired
I was taught to put them to sleep by refrigerating them first, and then rubbing their eyes, before steaming them, precisely to help avoid the shock and pain. They’re more likely to just keep snoozing on into eternity if steamed than boiled.
They then don’t feel the pain, and the additional benefit is that the meat is more tender because they’re relaxed.
Boiling? A horrible way to prepare crustaceans for the table, not just because of the shock of being dropped into a vat of boiling water, but because it waterlogs the meat.
Thanks for sharing again! There’s no doubt craps and crustaceans are capable of feeling pain although they can’t shout nor scream.
The only way to respect them is to leave them alone. And not think of eating their meat.
Google for ‘Prof T. Collins Campbell’ or “the china study”. Prof. Campbell who grew up in a farm wanting to promote his family’s milk and beef. What he discovered shocked him so much he became a vegetarian. No - it’s not the animal fat alone that causes cancer.