Industry must be aware of animal welfare concerns

By Andy Walker

SOU’WESTER

Consumers are becoming increasingly concerned by welfare aspects linked to food products maintains Dr. Spencer Greenwood.

A scientist at the Lobster Research Centre at the Atlantic Veterinary College, Greenwood was one of the keynote speakers at a seminar held at the college in early October. He said this new awareness means industry players must go the extra mile to ensure lobsters are caught and handled in a humane manner. He noted Whole Foods, one of the largest food distribution companies south of the border, decided to stop selling live lobster. The company said it had concerns about whether the lobsters were treated in a way that fit with the company’s philosophy for humane treatment of animals.

As well, he said there has been an effort by several groups like the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) that have resulted in unfavourable press for the industry south of the border. PETA has freed lobsters in some parts of the United States – lobster liberation the group calls it. Greenwood said unfortunately such negative publicity can often counteract positive public relations by both industry and government.

He said electric shock has been touted by many animal rights organizations around the world as a more humane way of killing lobsters. The 110-volt machine takes two to five seconds to stun a lobster with no change in meat quality.

However, given the fact lobsters can regenerate appendages that may break off, he said it appears their nervous system does not feel pain in the way mammals do. Instead, he said “it is similar to insects like mosquitoes and grasshoppers.”

As well, high pressure processing has been held out as a more humane way of killing lobsters destined for processing.

For lobsters purchased live by consumers, he said the most humane way to prepare the crustaceans for the dinner plate is to put them in the freezer. Since they are a cold adapted species they will experience few sensations as they effectively freeze to death over a period of approximately 15 minutes.

In live holdings and hatcheries, he said care must be taken to deal with such issues as density and disease.

He said it is important the industry maintain a positive public image, since it is a major part of the economy in eastern Canada. He noted landings are worth $372 million annually to the Nova Scotia economy; $83 million to New Brunswick; $108 million to P.E.I.; $29 million to the economy of Newfoundland and Labrador and $40 million to Quebec.