Octopuses, squids and lobsters are considered sentient beings

British Parliament made additions to bill about humane treatment of animals. In addition to dogs, cows and ducks, the document contained large mollusks. The reason was the publication of convincing scientific evidence based on 300 studies that cephalopods (octopuses, squid, cuttlefish), as well as some crustaceans (crabs, lobsters, shrimps) are more or less able to experience pain and suffering.

Scientists from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) came to similar results. They developed a list of parameters by which the sensitivity of animals is determined. This means not only the ability to feel pain, but also the ability to experience more complex emotions: joy, excitement, or sadness.

The molluscs were tested according to the following criteria:

1. the presence of neurons that transmit pain to the brain;
2. the presence of brain regions responsible for integrative activity (thanks to this, the animal has the ability to self-development, self-learning and self-preservation);
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3. the interaction of these areas of the brain;
4. the presence of reactions to drugs that can increase or decrease the sensitivity of the body;
5. the ability to choose between potential danger and the opportunity to receive a reward;
6. the ability to self-defense in the event of a potential threat or injury;
7. ability for associative learning;
8. behavior that demonstrates responses of gratification to pain medications.

All indicators are scientists evaluated on a scale from "very low" (VL - very low) to "very high" (VH - very high). According to the data obtained, the octopus turned out to be the most intelligent mollusk. His brain matched 7 items on the list, followed by crabs and cuttlefish. The lowest sensitivity rating was found in nautiloids, a subclass of cephalopods, as well as in some species of shrimp.

Now, on a statement UK government, the shellfish amendments “will not affect existing legislation and industry practices,” but they will be taken into account in future decision-making.

So far, the London School of Economics and Political Science has issued recommendations, where he asks to prohibit inhumane methods of slaughtering crustaceans and cephalopods, including dismemberment or boiling alive.