UK issues new regulations: killing live lobsters and crabs is illegal. The UK, known as the "sun never sets" country, truly lives up to its reputation as a beacon of civilization, moving lobsters and crabs to tears!
On December 24, The Guardian reported: "The UK government announced new animal protection regulations on Monday, banning the boiling alive of live, conscious lobsters, crabs, and other decapod crustaceans, as they were classified as sentient beings in 2022. The new regulations require humane slaughter methods such as electric shock, freezing into unconsciousness, or professional puncture. However, this has caused dissatisfaction within the catering industry. Catering businesses have criticized the high cost of electric shock equipment at 3,500 pounds, which most small and medium-sized restaurants cannot afford. Additionally, the extra procedures will increase labor costs and reduce meal preparation time, possibly leading restaurants to import frozen seafood, which would impact local trade. The new regulations also include measures prohibiting tracking hunting and caged hens. While supported by animal protectionists, they have been opposed by some farmers and the Reform Party, who question it as authoritarian control. The government has not yet issued specific details."
[Sarcastic] Lobsters are confused. Does electric shock make me painless? Why not just legislate against eating me! Hotels feel even more wronged, as a 3,500-pound electric shock bill suddenly comes their way. The UK is giving lobsters and crabs a painless funeral with the new regulation that prohibits boiling them alive. This regulation is undoubtedly one of the year's confusing moves — just after classifying crustaceans as sentient beings, the government immediately imposes a 3,500-pound electric shock equipment bill on the catering industry. This is not protecting animals; it's clearly a dismissal of small restaurants. The environmental minister calls for loving animals, but doesn't care if small restaurants can't afford the equipment. That's why the boss complains: Should the Prime Minister wear a chef's uniform to supervise? Learning from Switzerland's ban, but forgetting that even "mechanical brain destruction" is considered compliant there. The UK only focuses on expensive equipment, which is essentially a form of environmental hypocrisy. What's more ironic is that the new regulation lacks clear supervisory details, which may force restaurants to import frozen seafood, severely impacting local shellfish trade. On one side, animal protectionists cheer, while on the other, farmers and catering industry workers protest. This ambitious civil regulation might end up as a failed project. After all, sympathy for lobsters ultimately cannot overcome the real money of the catering industry. The only ones left supporting the new policy are the suppliers of electric shock equipment......
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1852374744256531/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.