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The Swiss Government has banned the boiling of live, unstunned lobsters as part of an overhaul of its animal welfare regulations.
According to new rules, which will come into effect on March 1, live crustaceans can no longer be transported on ice or in ice water.
The Government order states: “Aquatic species must always be kept in their natural environment.
“Crustaceans must now be stunned before killing them.”
Suffering
According to many scientists, crustaceans can most likely feel pain, and boiling them alive and unstunned can cause immense suffering for many seconds.
More ‘humane’ methods chefs must now use include freezing lobsters to stun them, driving the tip of a knife through their heads, or electric shock before boiling.
Regulations
The rules on cooking lobsters is part of a slew of new regulations on animal welfare.
The Government also wants to crack down on illegal puppy farms and on anti-barking dog collars.
It also plans to outline clearer conditions for euthanising sick or injured animals.
