We’re killing animals smarter than Dogs’: Scientists warn of ‘octopus farming horror’

Should We Farm Octopuses? Debate Over Ethics and Science Grows (Image: Canva)

The thought of eating farmed octopus is stirring emotions. A Spanish seafood company wants to build the world’s first octopus farm. Critics say such a plan risks crossing ethical lines.

Why are octopuses considered so intelligent?
Octopuses have around 500 million neurones in their bodies. Many of these neurones are spread through their arms. This allows them to act and sense independently. They have been observed to escape enclosures and solve problems. Some have even been known to open jars quite skilfully. One octopus, called Otto, in Germany became famous for squirting water to short-circuit lights. Such behaviours demonstrate awareness and control of the environment. These skills complicate the way that people commonly perceive marine animals.

What are the main ethical concerns with farming?
Scientists agree octopuses feel both pleasure and pain. The UK legally recognised them as sentient under the Animal Welfare Act. This decision highlights concerns about farming practices. Reports say Nueva Pescanova plans to keep them in crowded tanks. The killing method involves submerging them in ice slurry. Neuroscientists argue this process inflicts stress and pain. Critics believe such treatment is not fit for intelligent animals. The debate is pushing animal welfare into sharper focus.

How has the world reacted to the proposal?
In the United States, senators introduced the OCTOPUS Act. This would ban farming nationwide and block imports of farmed meat. Protests have taken place in Madrid against the plan. Within the European Union, calls are growing to stop the facility. Public awareness of octopus intelligence is fuelling the resistance. Campaigners say the industry risks becoming a new form of cruelty. Governments now face pressure to address moral questions raised.

What about environmental and scientific concerns?
Proponents argue that farming may relieve pressure on wild populations. But octopuses are carnivores that eat large amounts of fish. This creates more strain on already declining fisheries. Farming predators raises questions of long-term sustainability. The documentary My Octopus Teacher showed their emotional depth. It also highlighted their ability to form trust with humans. Scientists have even found genetic links to human intelligence. These discoveries intensify doubts about using them for profit.

The argument now stretches beyond seafood and economics. It is a question of ethics, science, and survival. The decision will shape how humans treat intelligent marine creatures. Whether conservation or commercial gain wins out remains unresolved.