Dear Editor:

Maine health officials' recent warning that consumption of lobster tomalleys can lead to exposure to paralytic shellfish poison should give seafood lovers "claws" for concern. But there's another reason to leave lobsters off your plate: Like all animals, lobsters can feel pain - and being boiled hurts.

Lobsters can live to be more than 100 years old, they recognize individual lobsters, remember past acquaintances, have elaborate courtship rituals, and help guide young lobsters across the ocean floor by holding claws in a line that can stretch for many yards. According to the European Food Safety Authority's Scientific Panel on Animal Health and Welfare, they are also capable of experiencing pain and distress and are worthy of legislative protection.

The kindest choice is to leave crustaceans (and other animals) out of the cooking pot and try healthy vegetarian foods instead. To find out more, visit www.LobsterLib.com/.

Sincerely,

Paula Moore
Senior Writer

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)
501 Front Street
Norfolk, VA 23510