A recent article shared by the “Washington Post” is giving readers a glimpse into the complex lives of lobsters and other invertebrates.
Like most animals who are raised for food, invertebrates receive no legal protections, and according to Robert Elwood, a researcher at Queens University, “Denying that crabs feel pain because they don’t have the same biology is like denying they can see because they don’t have a visual cortex.”
In their experiments with octopuses, the researchers were able to determine that they “show much of the pain-related behavior seen in vertebrates, such as grooming and protecting an injured body part.” In fact, the same researchers published a study last year in the “Journal of Experimental Biology,” which determined that the European shore crab experiences pain.
Given that around 98 percent of animal species are invertebrates, the implications of this research are profound. The study certainly challenges our long-held belief that the backbone determines the capacity to experience pain or suffering.
The good news is that we don’t have to wait another minute to help stop the needless suffering of these sensitive creatures. Transitioning to a plant-based diet is the best way to ensure that all animals are spared unnecessary cruelty and pain.
For more information on delicious vegan recipes, visit ChooseVeg.com.
