Animal Rescue with Marion Garnett

Dedicated animal expert Marion Garnett, founder of the Ealing Animal Charities Fair, continues her column

CRABS and lobsters aren’t the cuddliest of animals but they are still fascinating creatures.

Did you know that lobsters can live over 100 years?

Spiny lobsters are social animals who gather in groups of 12 or more and migrate in long chains across the ocean floor, up to 50 lobsters at a time. They communicate by flapping their pincers or drumming their claws.

Hermit crabs live inside the discarded seashells of other species. David Attenborough tells how when hermit crabs meet, they trade shells.

The crabs form an orderly chain from largest to smallest and then, when enough crabs of the right size are in place in the chain, they simultaneously change shells.

And yet, in this country, live decapod crustaceans (the formal name for lobsters and crabs) are kept for human consumption with their claws strapped together in brightly lit tanks with no option for shelter, unable to carry out their natural behaviours.

Live lobsters can be ordered through the post, just like you might order a book.

A supermarket in Surrey was also found selling live crabs shrinkwrapped in plastic. It’s not just the storage of the animals that is cause for concern but also their killing with a variety of inhumane slaughter methods being used including boiling alive.

Lobsters, crabs and other decapod crustaceans can be treated in this way because they lack protection within animal welfare legislation.

Although there exists substantial evidence showing these animals are capable of suffering and experiencing pain, the law does not take this into account.

The good news is that a new (but already award-winning) organisation, Crustacean Compassion, is on the lobsters’ side. If you want to know how you can help, see crustaceancompassion.org.uk and start by signing their petition asking for legal protection for decapods.

Meanwhile, returning to more cuddly animals, the National Animal Welfare Trust (NAWT) animal rehoming centre has daily petting sessions (12-12.30pm) where you can meet some of their smaller animals. Places cost £3/child, £1/adult and need to be booked in advance (call 020 8950 0177). The centre is at Tylers Way, Watford by pass.

Currently waiting at NAWT for a home are young brothers, Meadow and River.

If you’re interested in homing them, you can meet them at the centre or see nawt.org.uk.

But, when thinking about where you would keep them, remember the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund’s saying that “A hutch is not enough”.

You can see creative examples of suitable rabbit housing by visiting rabbitwelfare.co.uk