Written question WQ99589
- Asked by
- Mike HedgesLabour
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 12 days
Question
What assessment has the Welsh Government made on whether boiling decapod crustaceans alive is compatible with the Welfare of Animals at the Time of Killing (Wales) Regulations 2014, following the UK Government recognising that boiling lobsters alive is incompatible with current welfare law?
Answer
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability (Llyr Gruffydd)
The boiling of animals alive is not considered an acceptable method of slaughter. Officials have been working with Defra, the Devolved Governments and industry stakeholders to develop guidance on the humane killing of lobsters and other decapod crustaceans, drawing on practical experience and the latest scientific evidence.
We will continue to keep the evidence base under review and will consider whether any legislative changes are necessary considering emerging evidence, in line with normal policy development processes.