LettersTreatment of hairy crabs surely flouts Hong Kong’s animal cruelty laws
- Readers discuss cruelty towards hairy crabs, tensions over Taiwan, India’s Hindus feeling under attack and Hong Kong’s vaccine requirements
I know some people will argue that tying up hairy crabs, transporting them from the mainland and putting them in a fridge under a moist towel before sales – sometimes going for weeks without food or water – does not constitute cruelty because they do not feel pain.
While some scientists suggest crabs do feel pain, the ordinance does not refer to pain but rather cruelty. As defined, cruelty includes confining an animal in captivity or transport without sufficient food or water, or within crates that are too small.
I am sure that anyone who has seen hairy crabs’ transport and sales know there is cruelty practised every step of the way. There is a fine of up to HK$200,000 (US$26,000) and three years’ imprisonment for any such cruel practices.
The ordinance’s regulations state that baskets and crates should be large enough to allow free movement in all directions of every animal, kept clean and properly ventilated with a constant and adequate supply of clear, fresh water and designed to avoid harm to the animal.