Aquariums banned from allowing children to pet crabs and squid
An overhaul of zoo and aquarium standards was announced on Saturday, with the aim of improving animal welfare.
One major change is the prohibiting of vertebrates, cephalopods such as squid and octopus, and crabs from being kept in touch pools where they can be handled by visitors.
Touch pools are built to mimic the natural rock pools found at the seaside and are home to a range of animal life.
In nature these habitats are often filled with starfish, whelks, limpets and crabs and in aquariums. Those such as the one at the Sea Life London Aquarium are used to teach visitors, often children, about marine life.
But rock pools in aquariums and zoos will no longer be able to host crabs or squid as a result of the new Government rules. The changes come after recent research has found that handling can be distressing to the animals, which are more intelligent than previously thought.
The move has been applauded by animal-rights activists and there will be a two-year adjustment period before the changes need to be made.
Elisa Allen, Peta's vice-president of programmes, told The Telegraph: 'Animals are not curiosities to be prodded, and prohibiting touch pools for decapod crustaceans and cephalopods – now recognised in UK law as sentient beings capable of feeling pain, stress, and distress – is both necessary and long overdue.
'These settings offer no escape from the relentless onslaught of human hands and fall far short of meeting the animals' complex physical and behavioural needs.
'Cephalopods, in particular, require ample space to explore, environmental enrichment, and the ability to hide – none of which are provided in the cramped, barren confines of a typical touch tank. It's past time we move away from treating other animals as mere playthings.'
A Sea Life spokesperson said: 'The welfare of all creatures in our care is the number one priority at Sea Life.
'We welcome the updates to the standards for modern zoo practice, which will ensure that the UK continues to lead the way in the safety and welfare of animals in zoo-licensed premises.
'This is at the forefront of what we do at Sea Life. Whilst we await the full details, we have already begun preparing for the changes and will review further following publication.'
The new welfare rules will also force zoos to make sure elephants have large outdoor space in which to roam, with the requirement for a herd of five or fewer elephants increasing sixfold from 3,000 square metres to 20,000 square metres.
All zoos that contain the most dangerous animals, such as big cats, gorillas or elephants, will also have to have guns available to ensure public safety.
Dr Jo Judge, CEO of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) which represents over 130 zoos and aquariums said: 'The new standards are a significant step up in legal requirements and cement Britain's position as a global leader for zoos and aquariums.'
Baroness Hayman, the animal welfare minister, said: 'We are a nation of animal lovers, and our best zoos and aquariums are truly world leaders in setting the standard for how wild animals should be kept.
'Today's long-overdue reforms lay the foundation for an even stronger, even more compassionate future for all zoos and aquariums – and the animals they protect. This is the first step as part of our commitment to deliver the most ambitious animal welfare reforms in a generation.
'We're making sure all sectors have the tools they need thrive, which is vital in our mission to deliver economic growth and make lives better for people across the country under our Plan for Change'
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