Spiders, Octopuses and Lobsters Could Get Rights
People could be prosecuted for being cruel to pet spiders, octopuses and restaurant lobsters under animal welfare plans being considered by the Government. The Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is investigating whether invertebrates - the family of animals that includes insects, spiders and molluscs - should get the same protection under the law enjoyed by dogs, cats and horses if they are kept in captivity. Ministers are under pressure from animal campaigners, who argue that some invertebrates are capable of feeling pain.