Sir, - Anti-cruelty campaigners are often dubbed the "furry bunny brigade" because of a perception that we care only about cuddly animals like cats, rabbits and adorable puppies. Admittedly, some of us find it hard to identify with invertebrates; still less to accept that they might have feelings.
The limitations inherent in such a narrow attitude to animals should be obvious. Unfortunately, in the case of at least one sea creature, we tend to chew first and ask questions later. Recently, I happened to observe the preparation of what many people would regard as the most delicious sea food - lobster. With melted butter or a light creamy sauce, you can't beat it.
The chef removed four lobsters from a tank and dropped them into boiling water. I always assumed that these animals died in a few seconds after immersion. I was proved wrong. There was a flurry of activity. One could hear the pounding and scratching on metal as the "food" clawed the sides of the gurgling pot. The noise from within the container became more frenzied when the lid was slammed down.
This experience was enough to put me off lobster for life. But I decided to do a little research to determine if these creatures were susceptible to pain. My findings left me in no doubt on that score. Viewed under a microscope, the nerve cells of a lobster are similar to our own. It has a complex nervous system and highly developed sensory organs. It can struggle violently for about two minutes after insertion in boiling water. Other signs of life are evident for a further five to seven minutes. These include uncoordinated jerking of limbs and frantic scrambling in the pot.
Such horrific cruelty is unnecessary and indefensible. Scientists believe that a lobster can be stunned and killed painlessly. This is achieved by passing an electric current through its body (six amperes at 240 volts) for about 15 seconds. The "execution" takes place in a tank filled with a dilate saline solution. Once the current is switched on, the animal is instantly immobilised.
I appeal to all hotels and restaurants that serve lobster to acquire the necessary stunning equipment. Compassionate diners should demand that their sea-food be killed humanely. Lobsters are unattractive and taste good. They will never displace your cat as a fireside pet. Does this justify boiling them alive? - Yours, etc., John Fitzgerald,
Callan,
Co. Kilkenny.