Dear Editor,
The viral video showing a crayfish sacrificing his own claw to escape a pot of boiling soup at a restaurant in China is a vivid reminder that sea animals are sentient, sensitive beings who, like us, value their lives and don’t want to die. (If you’re wondering, the man who took the video adopted the crayfish.)
Research on fish sentience has shown us that fish have excellent long-term memories, are savvy social learners, use tools, and develop cultural traditions. Crabs are capable of learning and remembering information. Lobsters use complicated signals to establish social relationships and can recognize individuals. Shrimp are also social beings who use sound or polarized light to communicate. Crayfish can suffer from anxiety.
The best way to ensure that we’re not contributing to sea animals’ suffering is to stop eating them. And with all the delicious vegan lobster, fish-free fillets, and crabless cakes available these days, it’s never been easier to go vegan.
Sincerely,
Paula Moore
The PETA Foundation
