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Protect The 'Pods

Protect The 'Pods

Send my email to Protect the 'Pods
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The ’pods (decapod crustaceans and cephalopod molluscs) need our protection - animals like crabs, lobsters, prawns, octopuses and squid.

These remarkable animals can feel pain, fear and distress, and UK law recognises them as sentient. But recognition isn’t protection. Despite this, they remain excluded from the Animal Welfare Act, leaving a glaring gap between what we know about these animals and the protection the law gives them. Crustacean Compassion and Compassion in World Farming have joined forces to change that.

As the Animal Welfare Act marks its 20th anniversary in 2026, we have a powerful opportunity to bring …

The ’pods (decapod crustaceans and cephalopod molluscs) need our protection - animals like crabs, lobsters, prawns, octopuses and squid.

These remarkable animals can feel pain, fear and distress, and UK law recognises them as sentient. But recognition isn’t protection. Despite this, they remain excluded from the Animal Welfare Act, leaving a glaring gap between what we know about these animals and the protection the law gives them. Crustacean Compassion and Compassion in World Farming have joined forces to change that.

As the Animal Welfare Act marks its 20th anniversary in 2026, we have a powerful opportunity to bring animal welfare law up to date. We’re calling on the UK Government to get their Acts together and extend the Animal Welfare Act to decapods and cephalopods - turning recognition of their sentience into meaningful legal protection.

But we need your voice behind us. Join the Pod Squad and help us #ProtectThePods.

Sign and share the campaign, contact your MP, spread the word and help us show Government that these animals cannot continue to fall through the gaps.

Two organisations. One clear ask. It’s time to put the ’pods in the Act.

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Ask the Animal Welfare Minister to Protect the ’Pods

Baroness Hayman of Ullock has championed decapods and cephalopods before – now we need her help again. She supported their recognition during the passage of the Sentience Act, and as Animal Welfare Minister she is now in a position to help turn that recognition into real protection.

There’s growing momentum for Government to align the definition of an “animal” across our laws, Send Baroness Hayman an email today and ask her to build on that progress by including decapods and cephalopods in the Animal Welfare Act.

It only takes a minute. Tell Government to get its Acts together and help Protect the ’Pods.

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