Boiling Live Lobsters Now Illegal in Switzerland

Swiss government officials signed a sweeping animal welfare bill that will take effect in March. The new legislation prohibits the practice of killing lobsters by boiling them alive and requires the crustaceans to first be stunned. “It must be assumed that these animals are sentient,” officials announced last week, “and therefore must not be allowed to suffer unnecessarily.” The new law also bans the transport of crustaceans in unnatural conditions. “Live crustaceans,” the new law states, “including the lobster, may no longer be transported on ice or in ice water. Aquatic species must always be kept in their natural environment.” The new Swiss law extends to a number of other animals, as it outlaws devices used to stop dogs from barking, places greater emphasis on shutting down illegal puppy mills, bans pop-up petting zoos, and requires animal welfare officers to oversee procedures in animal testing labs.