Lobsters do feel pain

I was concerned to read the argument put by Peter Fraser (Opinion, 28 November), that "I don't think there is any real evidence that lobsters feel pain in the process of being boiled".

By The Newsroom

Published 5th Dec 2005, 00:00 BST

There is, in fact, mounting evidence from scientists that nearly all creatures, both vertebrate and invertebrate, are capable of experiencing pain and suffering to some degree.

Boiling alive, or cutting up live animals is not acceptable in a civilised society, and while it may seem to some that caring about shellfish is time-wasting, to any compassionate person the prevention of suffering of any creature should be paramount.

JULIE ROXBURGH

Co-ordinator, Shellfish Network

Forest Road

East Horsley, Surrey

Surrey