A pair of giant costumed creatures – a lobster and an octopus – strutted across Westminster on Friday, September 11, 2026, to launch the Protect the ’Pods campaign, which urges lawmakers to extend the Animal Welfare Act to cover crustaceans and cephalopods.
Campaign aims to close a legal gap
The two charities behind the effort, Crustacean Compassion and Compassion in World Farming, say the 20th anniversary of the Animal Welfare Act is an apt moment to address the omission of decapod crustaceans and cephalopod molluscs from the law.
Under the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022, crabs, lobsters, octopuses and similar creatures are recognized as sentient, meaning they can feel pain. Yet the 2006 Act still defines “animal” solely as a vertebrate, leaving the newly-acknowledged groups unprotected.
Leaders voice the need for change
Dr. Ben Sturgeon, chief executive of Crustacean Compassion, said, “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.” He added that aligning the two Acts would give these animals the protection they deserve.
James West, chief public affairs manager at Compassion in World Farming, noted, “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.”
Policy backdrop and public rally
The Animal Sentience Committee recently recommended that the definition of “animal” be applied consistently across UK legislation, which would bring cephalopods and decapods under the 2006 Act. The Government’s Animal Welfare Strategy for England also acknowledges lingering welfare gaps for these groups.
This recommendation specifically calls for the same legal language to be used in the 2006 Act as in the 2022 Sentience Act, creating a direct pathway for the newly-recognised groups to fall under existing protection mechanisms.
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Supporters marched from Westminster Bridge to Downing Street, chanting for the government to “get their Acts together.” Organisers invited the public to join a “Pod Squad” and contact officials, pressing for the legislative amendment.
The lobster’s stilt-walking display was literally a sight that made passersby do a double-take, showing the campaign’s message in a way that a press release alone could not.
About the organizations
Crustacean Compassion is an award-winning group focused on humane treatment of crabs, lobsters and prawns. It works with legislators, encourages higher-welfare product lines, and educates policymakers on the science of crustacean sentience.
The organization’s award-winning status reflects a history of successful lobbying for stricter handling standards and collaborations with major seafood distributors to introduce welfare-focused product ranges.
Compassion in World Farming campaigns globally to end intensive farming practices and promote respect for farmed animals. The organization now adds marine invertebrates to its list of species requiring legal safeguards.
With a worldwide network, Compassion in World Farming has previously secured legislative wins for terrestrial farm animals and is applying the same strategic pressure to marine invertebrates.
The Protect the ’Pods launch coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Animal Welfare Act, a symbolic moment that the charities hope will spur Parliament into action before the next legislative session ends.
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