Summary
Invertebrate animals are used widely across research fields, yet unlike vertebrates, there are no consistent ethical standards around their use in science. Crustaceans (e.g., crab, lobster) and cephalopods (e.g., octopus, squid) have been granted some ethical protections to reduce suffering, but there is little consideration for invertebrates apart from these (such as insects, snails, sponges, etc.). Recent studies show invertebrates have more complex cognition and capacity for consciousness than previously thought, calling for reconsideration of how we treat them. Public opinion and advocacy has also recently shown more ethical consideration for invertebrates (e.g., petitions to include lobsters and crabs under Britain’s Animal Welfare Act). The authors offer suggestions for more ethical research practices with invertebrates: using minimal sample sizes, selecting specific trapping methods, avoiding by-catch when trapping, and minimizing animal suffering wherever possible.
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