Send a postcard to the Defra Secretary to ban boiling crustaceans alive

Context

Crabs, lobsters and prawns are tossed into scalding water and can stay conscious for up to three minutes before they die. Millions are killed this way in the UK each year, a practice considered unacceptable for vertebrates such as pigs and chickens.

The strategy

Ministers weigh how many people write in on an issue, and each written message adds to the case for action. Earlier messages from supporters have already pressed Defra to act, and this postcard adds to that pressure.

Why it scored 180 points

Scale: Massive

Rough estimate: over 10 million crabs, lobsters and prawns are boiled alive in the UK each year.

Severity: Extreme

Animals can stay conscious for up to three minutes in boiling water, an extreme and prolonged suffering.

Chance of success: Plausible

Defra has been pressed to change the law, but no decision has been announced, so the outcome is open.

Your difference: Moderate

Only 570 postcards have been sent so far, but it is not stated whether each one is read individually, so it counts for moderate weight.