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Scientists, veterinarians and residents urge Massachusetts to ban octopus farms over welfare and ecosystem risks
Summary
Dozens of witnesses — scientists, veterinarians, students and advocates — told the Joint Committee on Agriculture that H127, which would prohibit octopus aquaculture for human consumption, should be reported favorably because octopuses are sentient, farming would be inhumane and aquaculture poses environmental risks.
A large group of scientists, veterinarians, civic groups and residents testified in favor of H127, a bill that would prohibit the aquaculture of any octopus species for human consumption in Massachusetts, saying octopus farming would cause animal suffering and environmental harm.
Representative Christopher Hendricks, sponsor of H127, framed the bill as a preventive measure: "This important legislation reflects a growing global awareness about the unique biological and cognitive trait of octopus and the ethical implications of farming such a sentient being," he said. Witnesses added scientific, animal‑welfare and environmental evidence to support the prohibition.
Testimony cited multiple concerns: octopuses’ cognitive…
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