Here’s what’s crackin’: The Netherlands wants to end live boiling lobsters and crabs

In a discussion between the Dutch Party for the Animals and the outgoing Minister of Agriculture, Carola Schouten — a motion is introduced to officially ban the live cooking of lobsters and crabs in the Netherlands.

As reported by the NOS, and in a response to the results of a British study which indicates that crabs, octopuses, and lobsters experience pain and stress when placed alive in boiling water, Minister Schouten announced that an EU ban is being looked at.

But until such action, which can take years, is taken at a European level, and while a Dutch motion for a ban has no majority in the house for the time being — Schouten called on restaurants and chef training courses not to be shellfish in their methods. 🦞

The minister urged everyone to focus on alternative cooking methods in light of the study findings. “I want to see how this becomes standard practice in the Netherlands,” said Schouten according to RTL Nieuws.

While there’s currently an official ban on boiling live lobsters in Switzerland and New Zealand, Schouten believes that many restaurants and chefs have already stopped using this practice in the Netherlands says NU.nl.

Animals on display

During the same parliamentary session on the Dutch agricultural budget, the cabinet also discussed a request from several parties which pushed for a ban on reptile trade during fairs.

Despite fears of diseases that can be transmitted through these exchanges and reports of animal abuse of reptiles and other species at fairs, Schouten explained that she can’t ban animal exchanges the fairs follow the current rules. Yet she announced that stronger action against abuses and closing hours will be taken in the future.

What do you think of a possible Dutch ban on live boiling lobsters and crabs? Tell us in the comments below!

Feature Image: vershinin.photo/Depositphotos

Farah Al Mazouni 🇸🇾 🇺🇸
Farah Al Mazouni 🇸🇾 🇺🇸
Farah believes she's been on many adventures during her millennial life, each for a different (sometimes invisible) purpose. The latest adventure whisked her away to Amsterdam for love, and what a magical surprise she found in this city. Armed with imaginary confetti in her pocket, and ready to celebrate all wins, big and small, Farah says "ahla w sahla" or “welcome” to her latest adventure in this wonderland.

2 COMMENTS

  1. I have been a vegetarian for all of my adult life but I must say this is one of the stupidest, most idiotic, insane, crazy, dumb ideas I’ve ever heard. If people are going to eat lobsters and crabs somehow or the other they’re going to have to be killed and cooked, and whether it’s boiling or frying or microwaving, they are still going to be dead.

  2. Of course rthey feel pain! All animal living creatures feel pain; but when they are cooked sive… What a horrible death! World wake up and start being sensitive and human

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