Do creepy-crawlies
suffer as live food? Is this
a welfare concern?
Invertebrates are often used as live food for other animals in captivity (for example geckos are often fed live crickets). Increasingly there are suggestions that some invertebrate species may be able to experience a sensation of pain and may have higher cognitive functions such as emotions and learning. As a result, should we be considering the ethical and welfare issues associated with using invertebrates as live prey?
Keller (2017) has published a review of the latest research into invertebrates and how institutes using live prey might consider and act on any welfare implications. Since there is mounting evidence that some invertebrate species can suffer, perhaps it would be best to stop all live prey feeding? But this response has its own problems: live prey feeding provides enrichment to captive species and many captive species will not feed if the food item is dead.