Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-38) has introduced A.B. 3162, known as the California Oppose Cruelty to Octopuses (OCTO) Act, aiming to prohibit octopus farming in both land and water and to ban the import of farmed octopus into California. This bill, which is co-sponsored by the Animal Legal Defense Fund and Social Compassion in Legislation, positions California as a humane leader by addressing this emerging issue and preempting the potentially cruel and controversial industry before it gains traction in the state.
Octopuses possess remarkable cognitive abilities, including the capacity to learn new skills such as navigating intricate mazes, utilizing tools, and escaping enclosures. Given their complex mental capabilities, octopuses have significant enrichment needs that cannot be adequately met in farming environments. Confining these highly intelligent and solitary creatures in intensive farming conditions is deemed inhumane, as it often leads to stress, aggression, and increased mortality rates among octopuses. Additionally, historical methods of slaughtering octopuses, such as clubbing, slicing, asphyxiation, and chilling, have been widely regarded as highly inhumane.
Jennifer Hauge, Senior Legislative Affairs Manager at the Animal Legal Defense Fund, emphasizes the importance of this moment, stating, “This is a key moment, not only in California but around the country, in the effort to protect octopuses from the scale of suffering that other animals already endure on factory farms.” She applauds Assemblymember Bennett’s proactive approach to animal welfare and praises California’s commitment to leading on this issue through proactive legislation.
Assemblymember Steve Bennett echoes these sentiments, highlighting the unique qualities of octopuses and their unsuitability for large-scale breeding operations. He emphasizes their remarkable intelligence and the growing recognition of their sentience within the scientific community. AB 3162 aims to prevent unnecessary harm to these captivating creatures by halting the practice of octopus farming in California.
Beyond animal welfare concerns, octopus farming poses potential environmental risks. Aquaculture facilities may contribute to nitrogen and phosphorus runoff, leading to environmental pollution and the formation of algal blooms that disrupt marine ecosystems. The use of antibiotics and pesticides to control disease and parasites, as observed in salmon farms, can further disrupt marine ecosystems and food chains.
In summary, A.B. 3162 seeks to protect octopuses from unnecessary suffering, uphold California’s commitment to animal welfare, and mitigate potential environmental impacts associated with octopus farming.