Tuesday October 1, 2024
The Fish Site —
The bill, known as the California Oppose Cruelty to Octopuses (OCTO) Act was signed into law on 27 September, making it the second law of its kind globally.
Co-authored by democrat assembly members Steve Bennet and Laura Friedman, and sponsored by the Animal Legal Defence Fund and Social Compassion in Legislation, the bill aims to address the significant animal welfare issues associated with the practice of octopus farming. The bill received unanimous approval from the California Senate earlier this year.
Research has suggested that the environmental and welfare implications of octopus farming are severe, as conditions of intensive farming and extreme confinement are inherently unsuitable for the well-being of these animals, leading to stress, aggression, and unnatural behaviours such as cannibalism. Furthermore, there are no approved humane slaughter methods for octopus.
Whilst there are currently no octopus farms operating in California, the bill acts proactively to safeguard the animals, preventing the establishment of farms within the State.